Planning Committee

Minutes

HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the PLANNING COMMITTEE Meeting held on Monday 5 December 2022 at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre, Adastra Park, Hassocks

Attendees: Parish Councillors: Cllr Kristian Berggreen (Chair), Cllr Jane Baker, Cllr Robert Brewer, Cllr Bill Hatton and Cllr Claire Tester.

In Attendance: Deputy Clerk – Tracy Forte

P22/98 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.  There were no apologies for absence.

P22/99 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. There were no declarations of interest.

P22/100 MINUTES. It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 14 November 2022 be signed by the Chair as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

P22/101 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.  There were no members of the public present.

P22/102 APPLICATIONS

DM/22/3399 67 Downs View Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8HY Two storey rear extension with juliette balcony to rear, single storey rear and side extension, first floor extension at front of property.  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/22/3400 11 Friars Oak Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8PT New porch extension to front elevation. 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/22/3379 Clevelands 18 Lodge Lane Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8NA T1 Lime – Reduce height by 6m and crown by 2m. T2 Lime – Reduce height by 6m. T3 Norway Maple – Reduce crown by 3m. T4 Horse Chestnut – Reduce height by 6m and all sides by up to 2m. T5 Horse Chestnut – Reduce height by 6m and all sides by up to 2m. T6 Sycamore – Reduce height by 7m. T7 Poplar – Reduce height by 6m. T8 Sycamore – Reduce crown by 4m. T9 Norway Maple – Reduce crown by up to 3m. Response: RECOMMEND APPROVAL

DM/22/3419 13 Highlands Close Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8LD Single storey infill front extension to enlarge bedroom. 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/22/3350 Broadhill Place Ockley Lane Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8PA Erection of single storey extension and proposed door to West elevation. Response: RECOMMEND REFUSAL.  The Parish Council supports the comments made by the MSDC Conservation Officer and would recommend refusal on the grounds of the concerns she has raised.

DM/22/3418 18 Manor Avenue Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8NG Hip to gable roof extension with rear dormer and new Juliette balcony, together with front Velux roof windows. Fenestration alterations to ground floor rear elevation and refurbishment to existing front dormer. 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/22/3187 65 Downs View Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8HY Demolish existing front porch, garage and rear extension. Erect a new front porch, side and rear wrap around double storey extension and enlarged raised terrace at the rear. Amended plans received 12.11.2022 showing depth of the raised terrace increased from 3 to 4 metres. 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/22/2810 The Summerhouse Lodge Lane Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8NA Rear ground floor extension, internal alterations and loft conversion/extension to an existing dwelling. Amended plans received 16.11.2022 showing rear dormer addition, one front rooflight and altered gable window. 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/22/3394 Garden Cottage 2A Damian Way Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8BH Removal of existing single garage and erection of 3 bedroom bungalow at land to the rear of 9 Newlands Close. (Amendments to previously approved DM/20/1642). 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/22/3527 11 Badger Close Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8YF Proposed rear extension. (LDC). Response: NOTED.

DM/22/3510 17 The Close Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8DW Removal of conservatory and replacement with a single storey rear extension, terrace and canopy.  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/22/3503 Age Concern Hassocks And District Ltd The Pauline Thaw Centre Dale Avenue Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8LW Relocation of Hassocks Village Market to the Pauline Thaw Centre car park. Response: RECOMMEND APPROVAL.  Hassocks Parish Council offers its full support to this application.

DM/22/3369 Parklands Road Allotment Site Parklands Road Hassocks West Sussex Erection of 60 sheds, size 1.8 x 1.2m, on allotment site (Revision to planning permission 12/00578/FUL to allow increase from 40 sheds.). (For noting only). Members noted this application.

DM/22/3533 19 Beaconhurst Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8RE Proposed first floor extension and first floor balcony. 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/22/3556 Milton Cottage Keymer Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8QS Demolition of existing rear extension and conservatory and replacement with single-storey rear extension and first-floor bay window. 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/22/3560 2 Hurst Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 9NJ T2 – Dead Oak, fell close to ground level (amended description 21/11/2022). Response: RECOMMEND APPROVAL.

DM/22/3564 1 Hurst Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 9NJ Proposed demolition of existing garage and erection of detached double garage and new entrance gates. 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/22/3605 9A Stanford Avenue Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8JJ Proposed single storey extension, garage conversion with associated alterations and new bike/garden store outbuilding.  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/22/3607 White Lodge Ockley Lane Hassocks Burgess Hill Closure of the existing secondary access and the creation of a new secondary access. Response: RECOMMEND REFUSAL. It is noted on the Planning Statement that ‘The eastern boundary of the site does fall within an Area of Ancient and Semi Natural Woodland. It is considered that the access can be provided without causing harm to trees.’  However, it has been overlooked that an area of Ancient Woodland does not solely refer to trees and the Parish Council is concerned that by creating a driveway, irreparable damage could be caused to the soil of the Ancient Woodland as well as being a threat to the trees.  There appears to be no compelling reason for the need to create a new secondary access which poses a risk to the Ancient Woodland at this site.

P22/103 APPLICATIONS FOR DISCHARGE OF PLANNING CONDITIONS. None.

P22/104 RESOLVED that the observations on the planning issues as agreed above be submitted to the relevant Planning Authority for consideration.

P22/105 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 was noted:

The following notifications of Planning Appeals were also noted:

SDNP/22/03791/HOUS Halfway House, Ditchling Road, Clayton BN6 9PH.

AP/22/0043 2 Park Avenue, Hassocks, BN6 8LT.

P22/106 MID SUSSEX ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING BAYS TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER (TRO). Members were invited to note correspondence received from West Sussex County Council regarding a proposed Traffic Regulation Order for Electric Vehicle Charging Bays in Mid Sussex, with specific reference to Clayton Avenue and Parklands Road in Hassocks, and to consider whether HPC wished to agree any comments for submission on behalf of HPC. https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/traffic-regulation-orders.

Hassocks Parish Council welcomes the provision of on-street charging options and recognises that one of the locations chosen in Hassocks is sited near flats where car owners do not have the ability to recharge from their own domestic electricity supply. However, both Clayton Avenue and Parklands Road are areas where on-street parking is already in high demand for differing reasons.  The Parish has concerns that allocating space for EV Charging Bays, which may not initially be fully utilised, could create a greater issue for residents in these locations due to the reduction of available on-street parking.

Therefore Hassocks PC would recommend that locations where parking will not be displaced be chosen for the initial installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Bays.

P22/107 Urgent Matters at the discretion of the Chairman for noting and/or inclusion on a future agenda.  There were no urgent matters.

P22/108 DATE OF NEXT MEETING. Tuesday 3 January 2023 at 7.30pm.

There being no other business the Chair closed the meeting at 8.45 pm.