Two tourist accommodation units at Willow Farm, Hensting Lane, Fisher's Pond

What was proposed

The application proposed replacing a barn with two two-bedroom holiday units, a storage shed, four parking bays, widened access and a treatment plant.

“In addition to the main building a mower / storage shed would be erected in the north west corner of the site, and a parking and turning area (incorporating four parking bays) would be formed to the south of the building.”

“This application also seeks to regularise recent works undertaken to widen the access slightly (a very slight enlargement to the northern splay where it joins the shared access track off Hensting Lane). The access splay has effectively been widened from 10.7 metres to 14.3 metres as a result of these works.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is about 0.5 hectares of agricultural land in rural surroundings, near listed farm buildings, the South Downs National Park and a public right of way.

“The application site comprises a parcel of agricultural land along with a section of private access track and is located within relatively rural surroundings. The site measures approximately 0.5 hectares and is currently occupied by various structures including a barn, a polytunnel, a shipping container and various dilapidated structures. The access track runs past Elm Farm which is Grade II listed along with its associated farm buildings.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications included proposals for storage, light industrial uses and two tourist units, with permissions refused or applications withdrawn.

“20/02655/FUL - Alterations to and refurbishment of existing building and mixed use for light industrial, storage and ancillary offices. Provision of parking and turning areas.. REF 23rd March 2021.”

“21/01933/FUL - Alterations and refurbishment of existing building to provide the following uses: Office Use E(G)(i), Research and Development Use E(G)(ii), Light Industrial Use E(G)(iii). Provision of parking and turning areas and additional landscaping.. REF 21st October 2021.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Specialist consultees raised no objections subject to conditions, while the parish council noted concerns about the entrance gradient and ecology.

“No objections raised in relation to the general principle of replacing the barn • No specific heritage concerns notwithstanding the presence of listed buildings in the locality • Neutral impact upon existing buildings in comparison with the existing situation • Whilst replicating the character of the existing building is not ideal, the reduced size would ensure harmful impacts would be avoided • Further details required on external materials, and rooflights (to be secured…”

“Service Lead – Sustainability and Natural Environment (Ecology) – No objections subject to conditions:”

Officer report

Who spoke

Three people spoke against the application, one person supported it, and the ward member spoke in objection.

What members discussed

The ward member questioned the development’s scale, landscape impact, traffic, access, drainage, contamination, landscaping and proposed conditions, and sought deferral.

“Councillor Cook spoke as Ward Member in objection to the application. In summary, Councillor Cook raised the following points:”

“The tourist development would generate inappropriate traffic on the 100- metre farm track owned by the neighbours at Elm Farm.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee agreed to grant permission for the reasons and subject to the conditions and informatives in the report and update sheet.

“Upon resumption of the open session of the meeting, the Committee proceeded to ask questions and debate the application.”

“The committee agreed to grant permission for the reasons and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the Report and the Update Sheet.”

Minutes

Conditions added

The update sheet added secure cycle parking, an operational management plan, controls on the mower shed and measures to reduce rooflight light pollution.

“Operational Management Plan The approved development shall not be brought into use until an operational management plan has been submitted to the local planning authority and has been approved in writing. The plan shall include details in respect of the following:”

“Mower Shed The mower shed hereby identified in Drawings 2209-PCA-DR-A-101 and 2209-PCA-E-E-1509 shall only be used for the purpose incidental to the tourist accommodation and land associated within the red line, and shall not, at any time, be used for living accommodation, business, commercial or industrial purposes.”

Minutes