Office and games room at Heavers Mill, Framfield

What was proposed

The application sought to convert two outbuildings into an office and games room, with new glazing, rooflights, internal facilities and updated materials.

“Proposal The application seeks planning permission for: • Conversion of two outbuildings and external alterations to form an office and games room.”

“Games room: New windows and glazed doors with sidelights will be inserted into the east facing elevation and a new window and glazed doors with sidelights will be inserted into the west facing elevation. A new glazed door will replace an existing timber door in the side facing south facing elevation, whilst 2 no will be inserted into the east facing roof slope and 1no rooflight will be inserted into the west facing roof slope.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a rural former watermill dwelling beside Tickerage Stream, with a Grade II listed building, flood risk constraints and a nearby public right of way.

“Executive Summary The application site concerns Heavers Mill, a former watermill that is now a dwelling which is located in a rural location on a narrow road, adjacent to Tickerage Stream. The dwelling is a three and a half storey black weatherboarded C18 Grade II listed building, with a two-storey extension to the side which was added when the property was converted to a dwelling in the 1960’s (later altered and enlarged).”

“Site and Surroundings Heavers Mill is a former watermill located in a rural location on a narrow road, adjacent to Tickerage Stream. The dwelling is a three and a half storey black weatherboarded C18 Grade II listed building, with a two-storey extension to the side which was added when the property was converted to a dwelling in the 1960’s (later altered and enlarged).”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications included an approved timber barn, a refused larger barn, and pending applications for works to the main dwelling and listed building.

“WD/2016/0822/F - ERECTION OF THREE BAY TIMBER BARN WITH FIRST FLOOR STORAGE/GAMES ROOM – APPROVED 25 July 2016 WD/2018/0395/F - ERECTION OF FOUR BAY BARN TO INCLUDE HOME OFFICE, STORAGE AND GAMES ROOM - REFUSED 30 May 2018 WD/2025/1561/LB - DEMOLITION OF EXISTING EXTENSION AT GROUND FLOOR LEVEL AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SINGLE STOREY EXTENSION WITH GLAZED LINK.”

“If planning permission was applied for to create an annexe of this size, it would unlikely be supported, however, as the building already exists we would be amenable to allow the conversion of the garage building into an annexe as shown on the submitted plans. The proposed layout shows a modest level of accommodation.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Environment Agency withdrew its objection after revisions, the parish council supported the proposal, the heritage officer objected and biodiversity concerns were removed after landscaping changes.

“Following the objection the applicant removed the proposed landscaping from the scheme and amended the proposal description from ancillary to incidental, providing a further revised flood risk assessment. Following these amendments the officer reconsulted the Environment Agency. Environment Agency – No Objection (Reconsultation response) We have no objection to the proposed development as submitted.”

“The installation of the new glazing in the current openings in the detailed manner and design proposed, including the rooflights; and the addition of the flue for the proposed log burner, would create an over domestic form and character within the setting of the listed Mill building.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke in favour, and the local ward member spoke about the application without voting.

The committee vote

Councillor Hulbert proposed approval contrary to the officer recommendation, Councillor Benton seconded it, and seven members voted in favour with none against or abstaining.

“A motion was proposed by Councillor Hulbert and seconded by Councillor Benton to approve Planning Permission contrary to officer recommendation.”

“For: Councillors Everitt, Glynn White, Redman, Howell, Benton, Hulbert, Alison Wilson. (7) Against: None Abstain: None…”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved permission because it identified no harm to the listed building and considered that the buildings would make a positive contribution to local character.

“RESOLVED: That Contrary to officer recommendation, Full Planning Permission be approved for the following reasons:”

“No harm has been identified to the listed building, as a result of the proposed development. The buildings do not increase the mass and make a positive contribution to the local character and its distinctiveness. In accordance with policies EN1 and EN27 of the Wealden Local Plan 1998 and Core Strategy policy SP02, as well as complying with the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework 2024.”

Minutes