Planning Committee

Minutes

HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the PLANNING COMMITTEE Meeting held on Monday 11 March 2024 at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre, Adastra Park, Hassocks

Attendees: Parish Councillors: Cllr Kristian Berggreen (Chair), Cllr Carolyn Barton
and Cllr Bill Hatton.

In Attendance: Deputy Clerk – Tracy Forte.  Cllr Lesley Cruickshank-Robb. Four members of the public.

P23/159 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE. Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Robert Brewer, Don McBeth and Angus Neil.

P23/160 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST.  Cllr Bill Hatton informed the Committee that he lived near 45 Wilmington Close Hassocks (application DM/24/0365), however did not consider that he has any form of interest in the application.

P23/161 MINUTES. It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 19 February 2024 be signed by the Chair as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

P23/162 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.  Mr & Mrs Hayhurst, Ockley Lane, Hassocks spoke in objection to application  DM/24/0407 Barn Cottage Ockley Lane Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8NX New two-storey, three bedroom dwelling with vehicle parking. Mr & Mrs Hayhurst reiterated concerns raised in their written submission previously shared with Members (Appendix 1).  The current building repeatedly deviates from the existing granted planning permission and Mr & Mrs Hayhurst expressed their disappointment and bewilderment as to how this has been allowed to happen. To view Appendix 1 please click here.

The applicants of DM/24/0365 45 Wilmington Close Hassocks BN6 8QB were in attendance but did not wish to speak.

P23/163 The Chair proposed considering application DM/24/0365 45 Wilmington Close Hassocks after DM/24/0407 Barn Cottage Ockley Lane Hassocks.  This was supported by the Committee.

P23/164 APPLICATIONS

DM/24/0429 1st Hassocks Scout Group Scout Headquarters Parklands Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8LF Change of use from Class F2 to Class F2 and/or Class E(f) and associated work, including erection of a shed and steps to facilitate access. Response: RECOMMEND APPROVAL

DM/24/0407 Barn Cottage Ockley Lane Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8NX New two-storey, three bedroom dwelling with vehicle parking. Response: RECOMMEND REFUSAL. This dwelling should have been built in line with the approved plan.  This proposed application represents overdevelopment of the site, being overbearing and unneighbourly. It is also out of keeping with existing local properties and is detrimental to the street scene. Therefore it is considered that this application is contrary to Policy DP26: Character and Design of the District Plan and Policy 9: Character and Design of the Hassocks Neighbourhood Plan.

DM/24/0365 45 Wilmington Close Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8QB Proposed single storey extension to the rear of existing detached property, together with raised patio & detached outbuilding (home office) within rear garden. Resubmission of DM/23/2899 with amendments. 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.

All members of the public left the meeting.

DM/23/2687 Woodside Grange Woodsland Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8EX Outline application to include access, layout and scale for two dwellings. Amended location, site layout and access arrangement plans and supporting information received 22.02.2024 and 27.02.2024. Response: The Council continues to RECOMMEND REFUSAL on access grounds and therefore its previous comments remain unchanged. Whilst the Council notes the proposal to include passing places along the proposed access route, this route remains a Public Right of Way.  It is acknowledged that Woodside Grange is permitted full vehicular access via Public Rights of Way 5K and 11K, however this is for the one existing property.  The Council has significant concerns over the access being extended to three further properties thus increasing the amount of vehicular traffic on a public bridleway/footpath.  These additional dwellings should be accessed via a purpose built road, not a Public Right of Way.

DM/23/2688 Woodside Grange Woodsland Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8EX Erection of a 5 bedroom single storey wheelchair accessible home. Amended location, site layout and access arrangement plans and supporting information received 22.02.2024 and 27.02.2024.  Response: The Council continues to RECOMMEND REFUSAL on access grounds and therefore its previous comments remain unchanged. Whilst the Council notes the proposal to include passing places along the proposed access route, this route remains a Public Right of Way.  It is acknowledged that Woodside Grange is permitted full vehicular access via Public Rights of Way 5K and 11K, however this is for the one existing property.  The Council has significant concerns over the access being extended to three further properties thus increasing the amount of vehicular traffic on a public bridleway/footpath.  These additional dwellings should be accessed via a purpose built road, not a Public Right of Way.

DM/24/0381 Pine Trees Court Pine Trees Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8NW Lime tree – reduce by 3 metres. Response: The Council defer to MSDC Tree Officer’s decision.

DM/24/0215 36 Hurst Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 9NL Two storey front extension (including garage at ground floor), replacement enlarged single storey rear extension and new dormers to north and east roof slopes. Proposal to include demolition of existing rear and side extensions. New raised rear terrace.  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/24/0281 20 Newlands Close Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8BQ Loft conversion incorporating a rear hip to gable extension, side dormer, removal of a chimney and installation of rooflights to the side and front roof slope. (LDC). Response: NOTED

DM/24/0415 91 Grand Avenue Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8DG Proposed two-storey side extension with pitched roof to match existing ridge line and external materials.  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/24/0414 35 Clayton Avenue Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8HD Proposed single storey rear 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/24/0411 73 And 75 The Quadrant Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8BS Proposed two storey rear extension at 73 The Quadrant. Proposed first floor rear extension at 75 The Quadrant. .  Response: RECOMMEND REFUSAL. The Council supports the MSDC Drainage Officer’s report which objects to the application on flood risk grounds.

DM/24/0430 14 The Minnels Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8QW Demolition of existing conservatory. Erection of single storey rear extension. (LDC). Response: NOTED

DM/24/0276 31 Damian Way Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8BH To raise the height of the existing garage roof by changing it from a flat roof to a pitched roof.  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/24/0272 36 Hurst Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 9NL Erection of 1 No. dwelling with car parking. Revision to DM/23/2126 comprising formation of new vehicular access to serve new dwelling. Existing access retained to serve No.36 Hurst Road.  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.

SDNP/24/00652/FUL Land to The rear of, 19 Beacon Hurst, Hassocks, West Sussex Removal of existing sheds and construction of single storey store for agricultural and forestry use. Response: RECOMMEND REFUSAL. This proposal represents a new building in the countryside which is not justified by the agricultural needs of this small field and is therefore contrary to Policy SD39 of the South Downs Local Plan.

SDNP/24/00866/HOUS The Well House, Underhill Lane, Clayton, West Sussex, BN6 9PL Ground floor single storey extension to the rear.  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.

P23/165 APPLICATIONS FOR DISCHARGE OF PLANNING CONDITIONS.

6.1 DM/24/0288 Land To The Rear Of Friars Oak London Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 9NA  Discharge of Condition 7 relating to planning application DM/19/1897.

6.2 DM/24/0443 Land To The Rear Of Friars Oak London Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 9NA Discharge of condition 19 in relation to DM/19/1897.

6.3 Southern Boundary Hedge at Land to the Rear of Friars Oak.  Further to a query raised at the previous planning meeting, Members noted from MSDC that the applicants for the site on the Land to the Rear of Friars Oak had confirmed that they do not intend to remove the hedgerow on the southern boundary hedge at this site.

The Committee noted all applications for discharge.

P23/166 RESOLVED that the observations on the planning issues as agreed above be submitted to the relevant Planning Authority for consideration.

P23/167 PLANNING AUTHORITY DECISION NOTICES

The following decisions were noted:

Application details	Hassocks PC recommendation to Planning Authority	Planning Authority Decision (MSDC/SDNP)
DM/24/0059 13 Abbots Close  Hassocks  West Sussex  BN6 8PH	Recommend Approval	Permission Granted
DM/23/3211 44 Ockley Lane  Hassocks  West Sussex  BN6 8BD	Recommend Refusal	Permission Granted
DM/23/3044 42 Hurst Road  Hassocks  West Sussex  BN6 9NL	Recommend Approval	Permission Granted
DM/23/2865 Land North Of Clayton Mills  Hassocks  West Sussex	Recommend Approval	Permission Granted
DM/23/3181 Land To The Rear Of 2 Keymer Road  Hassocks  West Sussex  BN6 8HA	Recommend Refusal	Permission Granted
DM/24/0041 – Flat 1 And 2  Bridge House  Station Approach East  Hassocks  West Sussex  BN6 8HN	Recommend Approval	Permission Granted
DM/24/0145 – Principals House  6 Ewart Close  Hassocks  West Sussex  BN6 8FJ	No Objection	No Objection

 

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

Application details	Hassocks PC recommendation to Planning Authority	Planning Authority Decision (MSDC/SDNP)
DM/24/0252 45 The Quadrant, Hassocks.	Noted	GPD certificate issued.

 

The following withdrawals of applications were noted:

DM/23/2791 Land North of Clayton Mills, Hassocks BN6 8BS            (HPC Rec Approval)

DM/23/2792 Land North of Clayton Mills, Hassocks BN6 8BS            (HPC Rec Approval)

The following notification of Appeal was noted:

AP/24/0020 8 The Crescent, Hassocks BN6 8RB                                 (HPC Rec Refusal)

P23/168 Urgent Matters at the discretion of the Chairman for noting and/or inclusion on a future agenda.

P23/169 DATE OF NEXT MEETING. Tuesday 2 April 2024.

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