Planning Committee

Minutes

HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting held in the Parish Centre on
Monday 17 May 2021 at 7.30pm

Attendees: Parish Councillors: Carolyn Barton, Kristian Berggreen, Leslie Campbell, Bill Hatton and Nick Owens.

In Attendance: Deputy Clerk: Tracy Forte.

P21/01 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.  Cllrs Bob Brewer and Claire Tester.

P21/02 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. None

P21/03 ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR.  Cllr Leslie Campbell proposed that Cllr Kristian Berggreen was elected as Chair of the Planning Committee for 2021/22 and this was seconded by Cllr Bill Hatton.  All Members voted in favour.

P21/03.1 It was RESOLVED that Cllr Kristian Berggreen was elected as Chair of the Planning Committee for 2021/22.

Cllr Leslie Campbell proposed that Cllr Claire Tester was elected as Vice Chair of the Planning Committee and this was seconded by Cllr Kristian Berggreen. All Members voted in favour.

P21/03.2 It was RESOLVED that Cllr Claire Tester was elected as Vice Chair of the Planning Committee for 2021/22.

Cllr Kristian Berggreen thanked Cllr Owens for his work in the role as Chair over the recent years.  This was supported by the Committee.

P21/04 MINUTES.

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 26 April 2021, be signed by the Chair as a true and accurate record of the meeting, subject to the following amendment:

Tuesday 26 April instead of Monday 26 April.

P21/05 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.  There were no members of the public present.

P21/06 Cllr Nick Owens invited Members to consider the use of the following additional paragraph when recommending approval to applications:

Recommend approval subject to: (1) the extension being built to a Nearly Zero Energy Standard as required since 31.12.2020 by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government including whole-house ventilation strategy to ameliorate global warming and prevent overheating;

Members discussed this in detail. Members were supportive of Cllr Owens’ intentions, however it was noted that relevant paragraphs had been considered and agreed at the previous meeting to provide advice to applicants regarding meeting Policy 5 of the Hassocks Neighbourhood Plan. Cllr Owens explained to the Committee that in his opinion the previously agreed standard paragraphs were explanatory for potential applicants regarding future building regulations and standards, but wouldn’t necessarily initiate any action from Mid Sussex District Council.  Cllr Owens expressed his concern that the Parish Council has an obligation to encourage the implementation of the Policies set out in the Neighbourhood Plan and it was his feeling that the previously agreed paragraphs were not sufficient to achieve this aim.

P21/06.1 The Chairman proposed a vote as to whether to adopt the following wording to be used in addition to the previously agreed paragraph in response to applications:

Recommend approval subject to: (1) the extension being built to a Nearly Zero Energy Standard as required since 31.12.2020 by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government including whole-house ventilation strategy to ameliorate global warming and prevent overheating;

Members voted AGAINST the adoption of the additional wording.

P21/07 APPLICATIONS

DM/21/1376 17 London Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 9NT Two storey rear extension, demolish existing conservatory, removal of chimney, insertion of window to existing side elevation. Response: RECOMMEND REFUSAL. This application is unneighbourly and represents overdevelopment of the site, and is therefore contrary to Character and Design, Policy 9, of the Hassocks Neighbourhood Plan and Policy DP26 of the District Plan. The proposed dwelling would be detrimental to the amenities of the existing nearby residents, impacting on, daylight and sunlight.

DM/21/1332 Former Site Of 36 Keymer Road Hassocks West Sussex Variation to Condition 2 relating to Planning application DM/19/0279 to replace drawing nos. D.001 with D.001 Rev D and D.04 rev B with D.04 rev C to allow an additional access door to the front (north) elevation. Response: RECOMMEND REFUSAL.  There is a considerable drop between the foot of the door and the footpath, and no evidence of any mitigation to enable adequate standard access or disabled access.

DM/21/1144 New Close Farmhouse London Road Hassocks West Sussex Various internal works to Listed Building, see application form. Response:  RECOMMEND APPROVAL.

DM/21/1439 10 St Andrews Place Hassocks West Sussex BN6 9QE Proposed single storey rear extension with apex pitched roof and gable end. Roof to include installation of solar panels to the south side. Response: RECOMMEND APPROVAL.  The applicant is advised that Government has committed to adopt a ‘Future Buildings Standard’ during 2021 which will change the Building Regulations requirements for alterations and extensions to homes to bring these alterations closer to that of a ‘zero energy building’.  This is supported by Policy 5 ‘Enabling Zero Carbon’ of the Hassocks Neighbourhood Plan which states that proposals that modify existing buildings (including extensions) should seek to maximise the inclusion of energy-saving measures and renewable energy generation.  Energy saving measures include floor, roof and wall insulation, and low u-value windows (which may need to be triple glazed).  These requirements may require amendments to your design which could affect the drawings submitted for planning permission. The applicant may wish to note that alterations that are built to a Nearly Zero Energy standard, are unlikely to need further retrofitting to minimise the carbon emissions that the nation is required to reduce to zero by 2050.  As retrofitting an existing home to be highly energy efficient is more complex than doing so for a new building, applicants may wish to look at the ‘EnerPHit’ standard that the Government is understood to be considering as the applicable “Nearly Zero Energy’ standard in this context, or at the Architypes published by the London Energy Transformation Initiative for u-values for your extension walls, windows etc. and for ventilation and overheating prevention standards to be achieved.

DM/21/1545 73 Dale Avenue Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8LR Single storey rear extension. Loft conversion including rear dormer, replacement front dormer and hip to gable on side. Demolition of part of existing garage / store to enable extension works. Response: RECOMMEND APPROVAL.  The applicant is advised that Government has committed to adopt a ‘Future Buildings Standard’ during 2021 which will change the Building Regulations requirements for alterations and extensions to homes to bring these alterations closer to that of a ‘zero energy building’.  This is supported by Policy 5 ‘Enabling Zero Carbon’ of the Hassocks Neighbourhood Plan which states that proposals that modify existing buildings (including extensions) should seek to maximise the inclusion of energy-saving measures and renewable energy generation.  Energy saving measures include floor, roof and wall insulation, and low u-value windows (which may need to be triple glazed).  These requirements may require amendments to your design which could affect the drawings submitted for planning permission. The applicant may wish to note that alterations that are built to a Nearly Zero Energy standard, are unlikely to need further retrofitting to minimise the carbon emissions that the nation is required to reduce to zero by 2050.  As retrofitting an existing home to be highly energy efficient is more complex than doing so for a new building, applicants may wish to look at the ‘EnerPHit’ standard that the Government is understood to be considering as the applicable “Nearly Zero Energy’ standard in this context, or at the Architypes published by the London Energy Transformation Initiative for u-values for your extension walls, windows etc. and for ventilation and overheating prevention standards to be achieved.

DM/21/1568 Holly Bush House 11 Lodge Lane Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8LU T1 Eucalyptus – reduce by 1.5 metres from top and 0.5 metres from the side. T2 Sycamore – reduce 1 metre from the top and 0.5 metres from the side. Response: RECOMMEND APPROVAL.

DM/21/1556 2 Reed Close Hassocks West Sussex BN6 9FG Garage Conversion. Response: RECOMMEND APPROVAL, subject to the retention of 2 parking spaces.  The applicant is advised that Government has committed to adopt a ‘Future Buildings Standard’ during 2021 which will change the Building Regulations requirements for alterations and extensions to homes to bring these alterations closer to that of a ‘zero energy building’.  This is supported by Policy 5 ‘Enabling Zero Carbon’ of the Hassocks Neighbourhood Plan which states that proposals that modify existing buildings (including extensions) should seek to maximise the inclusion of energy-saving measures and renewable energy generation.  Energy saving measures include floor, roof and wall insulation, and low u-value windows (which may need to be triple glazed).  These requirements may require amendments to your design which could affect the drawings submitted for planning permission. The applicant may wish to note that alterations that are built to a Nearly Zero Energy standard, are unlikely to need further retrofitting to minimise the carbon emissions that the nation is required to reduce to zero by 2050.  As retrofitting an existing home to be highly energy efficient is more complex than doing so for a new building, applicants may wish to look at the ‘EnerPHit’ standard that the Government is understood to be considering as the applicable “Nearly Zero Energy’ standard in this context, or at the Architypes published by the London Energy Transformation Initiative for u-values for your extension walls, windows etc. and for ventilation and overheating prevention standards to be achieved.

DM/21/1590 4 Lagwood Close Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8HZ Proposed single storey flat roof side extension. Proposed new bay window to front elevation. Proposed first floor roof extension with flat roof rear dormer and Velux roof windows to front roof slope. Response: RECOMMEND APPROVAL.  The applicant is advised that Government has committed to adopt a ‘Future Buildings Standard’ during 2021 which will change the Building Regulations requirements for alterations and extensions to homes to bring these alterations closer to that of a ‘zero energy building’.  This is supported by Policy 5 ‘Enabling Zero Carbon’ of the Hassocks Neighbourhood Plan which states that proposals that modify existing buildings (including extensions) should seek to maximise the inclusion of energy-saving measures and renewable energy generation.  Energy saving measures include floor, roof and wall insulation, and low u-value windows (which may need to be triple glazed).  These requirements may require amendments to your design which could affect the drawings submitted for planning permission. The applicant may wish to note that alterations that are built to a Nearly Zero Energy standard, are unlikely to need further retrofitting to minimise the carbon emissions that the nation is required to reduce to zero by 2050.  As retrofitting an existing home to be highly energy efficient is more complex than doing so for a new building, applicants may wish to look at the ‘EnerPHit’ standard that the Government is understood to be considering as the applicable “Nearly Zero Energy’ standard in this context, or at the Architypes published by the London Energy Transformation Initiative for u-values for your extension walls, windows etc. and for ventilation and overheating prevention standards to be achieved.

DM/21/0990 6 The Croft Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8EG Proposed two storey and single storey side extension works, porch alteration and internal changes to suit. (Revised plans received 04.05.2021). Response: RECOMMEND APPROVAL.  The applicant is advised that Government has committed to adopt a ‘Future Buildings Standard’ during 2021 which will change the Building Regulations requirements for alterations and extensions to homes to bring these alterations closer to that of a ‘zero energy building’.  This is supported by Policy 5 ‘Enabling Zero Carbon’ of the Hassocks Neighbourhood Plan which states that proposals that modify existing buildings (including extensions) should seek to maximise the inclusion of energy-saving measures and renewable energy generation.  Energy saving measures include floor, roof and wall insulation, and low u-value windows (which may need to be triple glazed).  These requirements may require amendments to your design which could affect the drawings submitted for planning permission. The applicant may wish to note that alterations that are built to a Nearly Zero Energy standard, are unlikely to need further retrofitting to minimise the carbon emissions that the nation is required to reduce to zero by 2050.  As retrofitting an existing home to be highly energy efficient is more complex than doing so for a new building, applicants may wish to look at the ‘EnerPHit’ standard that the Government is understood to be considering as the applicable “Nearly Zero Energy’ standard in this context, or at the Architypes published by the London Energy Transformation Initiative for u-values for your extension walls, windows etc. and for ventilation and overheating prevention standards to be achieved.

DM/21/1717 26 Semley Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8PE Application seeks to make amendments to approved application DM/19/2813, to change the colour and type of cladding, add a new window on the rear north side elevation and add two rooflights to the rear facing roof. Response: RECOMMEND APPROVAL.

DM/21/1705 23 Parklands Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8JY Loft conversion incorporating rear facing dormer and 3 front facing veluxes. (LDC). Response:  NOTED.

P21/08 APPLICATIONS FOR DISCHARGE OF PLANNING CONDITIONS. None

P21/09 RESOLVED that the observations on the planning issues as agreed above be submitted to the relevant Planning Authority for consideration.

P21/10 PLANNING AUTHORITY DECISION NOTICES

The following decisions were noted:              

The following notifications of Certificate of Lawful Use or Development (LDC), General Permitted Development (GDP)and/or Prior Approval were noted:

The following appeal notification was noted:                       

P21/11 MSDC SITE ALLOCATIONS DPD EXAMINATION. Members were invited to note that the Examination hearings are due to commence on Tuesday 1 June and to agree representation to be made on behalf of Hassocks Parish Council.  Site Allocations DPD Notice of Examination Hearings (midsussex.gov.uk).  It was agreed that a representative from Hassocks Parish Council would not participate in the hearing, however Cllr Claire Tester would be present and would report back to the Council.  It was noted that Hassocks Parish Council has already submitted written representation on the plan.

P21/12 Urgent Matters at the discretion of the Chairman for noting and/or inclusion on a future agenda. The Chairman invited Members to note correspondence informing the Council that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government are seeking views on proposed changes to permitted development rights for the installation, alteration and replacement of electronic communications infrastructure.  The consultation will run until 14 June and Members were invited to consider the inclusion of this on the next Planning Agenda. It was AGREED that this was a matter for consideration by the Neighbourhood Plan Committee or Full Council and therefore it was agreed that this should be included on the next Full Council agenda.  Further information can be found via the following link Changes to permitted development rights for electronic communications infrastructure: technical consultation – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

P21/13 DATE OF NEXT MEETING.   Monday 7 June 2021 at 7.30pm.

There being no other business the Chair closed the meeting at 8.35pm.