Planning Committee

Minutes

HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the PLANNING COMMITTEE Meeting held on Monday 18 December 2023 at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre, Adastra Park, Hassocks

Attendees: Parish Councillors: Cllr Kristian Berggreen, Cllr Robert Brewer and Cllr Don McBeth.

In Attendance: Deputy Clerk – Tracy Forte.

P23/117 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE. Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Carolyn Barton, Bill Hatton and Angus Neil.

P23/118 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. There were no declarations of interest.

P23/119 MINUTES.  It was confirmed that Cllr Carolyn Barton had been present at the meeting held on 27 November 2023, however had been omitted from the record of attendees. It was therefore proposed and agreed that her name would be added as an attendee.

It was RESOLVED that subject to the amendment as agreed above, the minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 27 November 2023 be signed by the Chair as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

P23/120 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.  There were no members of the public present.

P23/121 APPLICATIONS

DM/23/2978 10 Lodge Lane Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8NA Apple (T1 and T2) – fell. Holly (T3) – fell. Response: The Council defers to MSDC Tree Officer’s decision as to whether the felling of these trees is acceptable and necessary.

DM/23/2975 40 Wilmington Close Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8QB Proposed demolition of existing front porch and replacement with new porch. 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/23/2857 11 Hamfield Drive Hassocks West Sussex BN6 9ZW Single storey rear in-fill extension to provide dining room and separate utility room (further to PD certificate DM/20/4551 – Single storey rear/side extension). Response: RECOMMEND APPROVAL.  The Council’s previous comments remain unchanged.

DM/23/2989 3 Ockenden Way Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8HS A single-storey, full-width, rear extension, loft conversion with rear facing dormer, elevation changes include new render finish and timber cladding to walls, demolition of existing chimney, new chimney, rooflights, and new glazing and doors throughout. 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/23/2613 21 Sunningdale Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 9QQ Proposed side extension projecting beyond rear elevation and new wall to replace existing fence (revised plans received 29.11.2023 and 01.12.2023. Supporting statement received 01.12.2023). RECOMMEND APPROVAL.  The Council’s previous comments remain unchanged.

DM/23/3048 2 Hassocks Gate Hassocks West Sussex BN6 9ZF Proposed pitched roof single storey side extension. 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/23/3095 6 The Crescent Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8RB Sycamore (T1) – Fell. Response: RECOMMEND REFUSAL.  This tree is of amenity value; the Council therefore objects to the removal of this healthy tree unless the MSDC Tree Officer is satisfied that felling is required.

DM/23/2948 11 Kymer Gardens Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8QZ Reduce lime back to previous pruning points resulting in approx. 2.5 to 3m crown reduction and remove epicormic growth from main stem. . Response: NO OBJECTION.

DM/23/3044 42 Hurst Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 9NL Erection of two storey side extension (plus basement) and replacement two storey rear extension. Relocation of rear swimming pool and enclosure within new pool house. 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/23/3114 68 And 70 Keymer Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8QP Redevelopment for retirement living accommodation for older people comprising 41no. apartments including communal facilities, access, car parking and landscaping.  In advance of the meeting, correspondence from the applicant had been shared with Members noting that a public consultation had been held by the applicant on the proposal, from 27 November 2023 to 4 December 2023.  The applicant provided a breakdown of the results and findings from the feedback received as shown below:

The consultation invite was sent to 214 residential and business addresses, resulting in 976 views on the dedicated project website from 340 users; who spent an average time of 2 minutes 5 seconds viewing the website. Of those people who visited the homepage only 17.6% of visitors visited the feedback page to provide their views.

Ten feedback forms were received through the dedicated project website showing a range of views on the proposals.

Feedback showed acknowledgement that the proposed development would provide significant benefits to the local economy and in terms of reducing the risk of health challenges and the subsequent contribution of fiscal savings to the NHS. The need for the development was also recognised by some respondents, with one respondent expressing interest in returning to Hassocks to live in this type of development.

During the consultation a number of queries were raised, which we sought to respond to and have summarised in an attached responses document.  (Appendix 1). To view Appendix 1 please click here.

The Committee discussed the proposal in details and agreed the following response:

Response: RECOMMEND APPROVAL subject to the following two matters:

1. The proposed parking space allocation of 15 spaces is woefully inadequate for 41 residential dwellings. This is a semi-rural village and many older residents continue to require and use cars long into their retirement.  This is particularly relevant as the main bus route to local hospitals and into Brighton does not come through the village, instead the main stops for Hassocks are located on the outskirts of the village on the London/Brighton Road.  Therefore residents who are unable to walk this distance, have no alternative other than to drive and park closer to the designated stops in order to catch the required buses.

It should not be assumed that the location of the development will negate the need or choice to have a car.  The provision of insufficient parking for this development will require residents to find alternative parking locations within the locality, thus adding further avoidable pressure on an already stretched resource and therefore being of detriment to the village.

2. The Adastra Park car park (opposite the development site) is a private car park owned by Hassocks Parish Council for the use of those visiting any of the Adastra park facilities. Therefore, it is requested that a planning condition is included stating that during the build period parking is provided for all associated traffic on the development site ideally and in particular that the Adastra Car Park must not be used by any associated traffic during the development period.

P23/122 APPLICATIONS FOR DISCHARGE OF PLANNING CONDITIONS.  None.

P23/123 RESOLVED that the observations on the planning issues as agreed above be submitted to the relevant Planning Authority for consideration.

P23/124 PLANNING AUTHORITY DECISION NOTICES

The following decisions were noted:

Application details	Hassocks PC recommendation to Planning Authority	Planning Authority Decision (MSDC/SDNP)
SDNPA/23/04660/TCA The Cottage, Clayton Hill, Clayton.	Not consulted (Tree in a conservation area)	No Objection
DM/23/2363 50 Friars Oak Road, Hassocks BN6 8PY	Recommend Approval	Permission Granted
DM/23/2623 46 Grand Avenue, Hassocks BN6 8DE	Recommend Approval	Permission Granted
DM/23/2563 Adastra Hall, Keymer Road, Hassocks	Recommend Approval	Permission Granted
DM/23/2372 Land at Wellhouse Lane, Burgess Hill.	Recommend Refusal	Permission Refused
DM/23/2692 9 Avenue de Warenne, Hassocks BN6 8FP	Recommend Approval	Permission Granted
DM/23/2899 45 Wilmington Close, Hassocks BN6 8QB	Recommend Approval	Permission Granted
DM/23/2126 36 Hurst Road, Hassocks BN6 9NL	Recommend Refusal	Permission Granted

 

The following notification of Appeal was also noted:  SDNP/23/01792/FUL Land West of The Drove, Ditchling, East Sussex.  Start date – 29 November 2023.

P23/125 Consultation on Lewes Local Plan – ‘Towards a Lewes Local Plan: Spatial Strategy and Policy Directions’.  Members were invited to note correspondence informing that Lewes District Council is preparing a new Local Plan which will cover that part of the district outside of the South Downs National Park, and we have published ‘Towards a Lewes Local Plan: Spatial Strategy and Policy Directions’ for public consultation..  Further information can be found at www.planningpolicyconsult.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk.  Members noted the consultation.

P23/126 Urgent Matters at the discretion of the Chairman for noting and/or inclusion on a future agenda.  There were no urgent matters.

P23/127 DATE OF NEXT MEETING. Monday 8 January 2024.

There being no other business the Chair closed the meeting at 8.05 pm.