Planning Committee

Agenda

HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL

To:   All Members of the Planning Committee (Cllrs Kristian Berggreen (Chair), Carolyn Barton, Robert Brewer, Bill Hatton, Don McBeth, Angus Neil and Peter Richardson) with copies to all other Councillors for information.

A meeting of the PLANNING COMMITTEE will be held on 3 July 2023 at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre, Adastra Park, Hassocks.

Parish Clerk – 27 June 2023

AGENDA

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. Disclosure by Councillors of personal and/or pecuniary interests in matters on the agenda and whether the Councillors regard their interest as prejudicial/pecuniary under the terms of the Code of Conduct.

3. MINUTES. To accept the Minutes of the meeting held on 12 June 2023 (previously circulated).

4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

5. APPLICATIONS (copies of each application can be viewed online via the Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) Website – https://pa.midsussex.gov.uk/online-applications/

5.1 DM/23/1310 5 Stonepound Ridge Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8JG Proposed loft conversion including side hip to gable roof enlargements, front dormer window and 3 No. rear dormer windows (Amended description and plans received 08/06/2023).

5.2 DM/23/1501 3 Sweetlands Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8LZ T1 Horse chestnut – reduce height by 2.5 metres and reduce crown by 2 metres.

5.3 DM/23/1461 5 Adastra Avenue Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8DP Proposed rear and side single-storey extensions and alterations.

5.4 DM/23/1503 77 Lodge Lane Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8LX A rear single storey extension to replace an existing single storey extension. Brickwork to match existing, with a flat roof and lantern style rooflights. New Bi-fold doors and windows. An existing side window to be bricked up and a new window installed adjacent to the side entrance door. A small section of pitched roof to be removed and replaced with a brick wall, to match the rest of the rear facade.

5.5 DM/23/1460 69 Ockley Lane Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8BD  Erection of a front extension with incorporation of a porch and extension of bedroom.

5.6 DM/23/1558 10 The Crescent Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8RB Erection of single storey rear extension.

5.7. SDNP/23/02524/FUL Millbrook Underhill Lane Clayton West Sussex BN6 9PJ.  Change of use of log cabin within residential curtilage to one bedroom unit of holiday accommodation.

5.8 SDNP/23/02315/LIS Jack Windmill Clayton Hill Clayton West Sussex BN6 9PG Restoration of Jack and Duncton mills into serviceable state for use as private ancillary accommodation with functioning utility services, and to construct an adjacent underground garage.

5.9. SDNP/23/02482/FUL Jack Windmill Clayton Hill Clayton West Sussex BN6 9PG. Restoration of Jack and Duncton mills into serviceable state for use as private ancillary accommodation with functioning utility services, and to construct an adjacent underground garage.

6. APPLICATIONS FOR DISCHARGE OF PLANNING CONDITIONS. None

7. DECISION NOTICES.

8. APPEAL HEARING NOTIFICATION. AP/23/0036 Byanda Brighton Road Hassocks West Sussex. Members are invited to note correspondence received from MSDC regarding the above appeal hearing. (Appendix 1).

9. NEW STREET NAMES. Members are invited to consider feedback from Councillors regarding suggestions for the naming of 6 new streets in the planned development on the Land to the rear of the Friars Oak Pub, and to decide how to proceed.

10. WSCC PERMISSIVE BRIDLEWAY CONSULTATION – FOOTPATH 5K, HASSOCKS. Members are invited to note correspondence received from West Sussex County Council relating to a proposal to enter into a permissive bridleway agreement for Footpath 5K in Hassocks and to consider any comments for submission on behalf of Hassocks Parish Council. (Appendix 3).

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

12. Date of Next Meeting: Monday 24 July 2023 at 7.30pm.

Please Note
All members of the public are welcome to attend meetings of the Parish Council and its Committees.
Item 4 – a period of 15 minutes will be set aside for the public statements and questions relating to the published non-confidential business of the Meeting.
It may be necessary to consider particular items in confidential session and where this arises, these items will be considered at the end of the agenda.

FILMING, RECORDING OF COUNCIL MEETINGS AND USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
During this meeting members of the public may film or record the Committee and officers from the public area only providing it does not disrupt the meeting. The Confidential section of the meeting may not be filmed or recorded. If a member of the public objects to being recorded, the person(s) filming must stop doing so until that member of the public has finished speaking. The use of social media is permitted but members of the public are requested to switch their mobile devices to silent for the duration of the meeting.

Appendix 1

HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL

To:      Planning Committee                                 

Date: 3 July 2023

Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk           

Subject: Agenda Item 8 – Appeal Notification

 

Mid Sussex District Council

Mid Sussex Ref:                             AP/23/0036

Planning Inspectorate Ref:         APP/D3830/W/23/3317103

Land At:                                            Byanda Brighton Road Hassocks West Sussex

Proposed Development:              Demolition of Byanda (a single residential property and ancillary buildings) and the erection of a 60 bedroom residential care facility, with associated access, ground works, car parking, servicing, private amenity space, landscaping, construction of substation unit and boundary treatment.  (Amended plans submitted including reduction in bedrooms from 66 to 60 and changes to design, received 23/06/2022).

Appeal By:                                       Frontier Estates (Hass) Ltd

Further to my letter dated 12th April 2018 advising you a Hearing into the above planning appeal.

The Planning Inspectorate has decided to link the appeal with appeal reference AP/18/0017 for retrospective full planning application for the erection of stables (PINS ref: APP/D3830/W/17/3189612) and will therefore be heard at the same Hearing.

An Inspector from the Planning Inspectorate who will determine the appeals, will conduct the Hearing:

At : 10 am

On : 13th September 2023

Duration: 1 Day

At : Council Chamber Mid Sussex District Council Oaklands Oaklands Road, Haywards Heath RH16 1SS

Copies of the appeal plans, the Council’s statement, the appellant’s grounds of appeal, and relevant documents can be viewed via the Council’s website www.midsussex.gov.uk/planningregister and select the ‘Appeals’ tab using reference AP/23/0036 four weeks before the Hearing.

Yours faithfully

Sally Blomfield

Assistant Director Planning and Sustainable Economy

Appendix 2

HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL

To:      Planning Committee                        

Date: 3 July 2023

Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk   

Subject: Agenda Item 9 – NEW STREET NAMES

1. The purpose of this report is to invite Members to agree on the theme for street name suggestions as requested by Mid Sussex District Council for the new development on the land to the rear of the Friars Oak Pub. Six names are required in total.

2. At the last meeting, two proposals were put forward:

  • names after local people who had made a positive contribution to the village
  • and/or names of butterflies or wildflowers.

Some Members were keen to continue with naming roads, as had been the case for Ockley Park, and others preferred wildflowers or butterflies.  Therefore it was decided that all Councillors would be invited by email to express their preference for naming the roads on this particular site after wildflowers or butterflies or to continue with naming after local people.

3. There was a mixed response on the themes, and specific suggestions included:

  • Using flowers which might also link/honour our two European Partners/twin communities. The national flowers of each country – France being the Fleur de Lis (or lily) and Germany being the Cornflower. (There is a ‘Place De Hassocks’ on a modern housing estate in Montmirail.)
  • “Azor” held Keymer before the Norman Conquest. After it is owned by William of “Watteville”. Two of the roads could be called “Azor” and “Watteville”.

4. There were two possible names remaining from the suggestions put forward for the streets in Ockley Park and two further potential names which have not yet been verified. Further details will be available at the meeting.

5. Officer Recommendation. Members are invited to:

i. agree on one of the following as a theme for street names for the development on the land to the rear of the Friars Oak Pub :

  • names after local people who had made a positive contribution to the village
  • and/or names of butterflies or wildflowers.

ii. provide 8 suggestions on the agreed theme for submission to MSDC.

Appendix 3

HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL

To:      Planning Committee                                                                     

Date: 3 July 2023

Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk           

Subject: Agenda Item 10 – WSCC PERMISSIVE BRIDLEWAY CONSULTATION – FOOTPATH 5K, HASSOCKS

Consultation

Hassocks – Proposal to create a new permissive bridleway along part of Footpath 5k

1. The existing path and background to the proposal – see plan numbered.

On 13 December 2021 the Planning Inspectorate confirmed a diversion order made by Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) for the diversion of part of footpath 5K which runs east from A273 London Road, on the northern side of Hassocks. The diversion was necessary to enable the development of 130 new dwellings on land east of London Road. A copy of the confirmed MSDC diversion order plan which details the extent of the diversion can be found below for information.

As part of the public rights of way improvements associated with the development, the developers agreed to allow permissive bridleway use of the diverted path, from London Road until the eastern edge of the development site as shown by way of a red line on the attached plan numbered 12212/111 below.

With the agreement from Network Rail to upgrade the newly constructed underpass at Woodside Crossing to bridleway and the ongoing discussions with the developers of land east of the railway line, it is hoped that in the future there will be for continuity for non-motorised users (pedestrians, equestrians and cyclists) from London Road to Ockley Lane.

By entering into a formal permissive agreement with the County Council, the future of the path, for use by equestrians and cyclists (in addition to the existing pedestrian use) can be secured for an agreed period, in this case 10 years. After the initial 10-year period, permissive bridleway rights will continue until such time that either party give the required notice as set out in the permissive agreement. Existence of the permissive agreement will enable it to be waymarked as a

permissive bridleway and to receive inspection and maintenance attention as part of the County Council’s routine path maintenance cycle.

2. Consultations

On 21 June 2023 a copy of this consultation report was sent to the relevant user groups and other interested parties with the request that any comments be submitted by 19 July 2023. Notice of the consultation was also included in the Members’ Bulletin. Before proceeding with any legal order, careful consideration will be given to all comments received.

3. West Sussex Rights of Way Management Plan, Human Rights Act 1998, Equality Act 2010 and Crime and Disorder Act 1998 Implications

In considering this application the County Council’s responsibilities under the provisions of the above have been taken into account.

4. Costs and works

The developer has agreed to cover all costs associated with the construction of the permissive bridleway to a standard and specification that is acceptable to the County Council. All works carried out will be subject to inspection and certification by Rights of Way Officers prior to the agreement being brought into effect. WSCC will be responsible for the waymarking cost.

5. General conclusion

This permissive bridleway, together with future proposals to deliver further bridleways in the surrounding location will provide a range of non-motorised users an extensive off-road route between London Road and Ockley Lane. The co-operation of the relevant landowners is very much appreciated.

Ami Dye

WSCC Senior Rights of Way Officer

To view the maps for Appendix 3 please click here.

Minutes

HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the PLANNING COMMITTEE Meeting held on Monday 3 July 2023 at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre, Adastra Park, Hassocks

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

In Attendance: Deputy Clerk – Tracy Forte.

P23/26 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE. Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Carolyn Barton and Peter Richardson. Absent without apology Cllr Angus Neil.

P23/27 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. There were no declarations of interest.

P23/28 MINUTES.

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 12 June 2023 be signed by the Chair as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

P23/29 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION. There were no members of the public present.

P23/30 APPLICATIONS

DM/23/1310 5 Stonepound Ridge Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8JG Proposed loft conversion including side hip to gable roof enlargements, front dormer window and 3 No. rear dormer windows (Amended description and plans received 08/06/2023). Response: RECOMMEND REFUSAL. This application is unneighbourly and would result in a loss of privacy to neighbouring properties and is therefore contrary to Character and Design; HNP Policy 9 and MSDP Policy DP26.

DM/23/1501 3 Sweetlands Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8LZ T1 Horse chestnut – reduce height by 2.5 metres and reduce crown by 2 metres. Response: RECOMMEND APPROVAL

DM/23/1461 5 Adastra Avenue Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8DP Proposed rear and side single-storey extensions and alterations. 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/23/1503 77 Lodge Lane Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8LX A rear single storey extension to replace an existing single storey extension. Brickwork to match existing, with a flat roof and lantern style rooflights. New Bi-fold doors and windows. An existing side window to be bricked up and a new window installed adjacent to the side entrance door. A small section of pitched roof to be removed and replaced with a brick wall, to match the rest of the rear facade. 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/23/1460 69 Ockley Lane Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8BD  Erection of a front extension with incorporation of a porch and extension of 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/23/1558 10 The Crescent Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8RB Erection of 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.

SDNP/23/02524/FUL Millbrook Underhill Lane Clayton West Sussex BN6 9PJ.  Change of use of log cabin within residential curtilage to one bedroom unit of holiday accommodation.  RECOMMEND REFUSAL.  It is understood that the existing building is not a lawful development and the proposed application is therefore tantamount to a new dwelling in the countryside within the South Downs National Park.

On this basis the council considers that the proposed application is in conflict with District Plan Policies DP12 Protection and Enhancement of Countryside, DP15 New Homes in the Countryside and DP18 Setting of the South Downs National Park, and Hassocks Neighbourhood Plan Policy 6 Development Proposals Affecting the South Downs National Park.

SDNP/23/02315/LIS Jack Windmill Clayton Hill Clayton West Sussex BN6 9PG Restoration of Jack and Duncton mills into serviceable state for use as private ancillary accommodation with functioning utility services, and to construct an adjacent underground garage. Response: RECOMMEND APPROVAL.  The Parish Council would be highly supportive of any measures taken to reinstall the sweeps to Jack Mill.

SDNP/23/02482/FUL Jack Windmill Clayton Hill Clayton West Sussex BN6 9PG. Restoration of Jack and Duncton mills into serviceable state for use as private ancillary accommodation with functioning utility services, and to construct an adjacent underground garage. Response: RECOMMEND APPROVAL.  The Parish Council would be highly supportive of any measures taken to reinstall the sweeps to Jack Mill.

P23/31 APPLICATIONS FOR DISCHARGE OF PLANNING CONDITIONS. None

P23/32 RESOLVED that the observations on the planning issues as agreed above be submitted to the relevant Planning Authority for consideration.

P23/33 PLANNING AUTHORITY DECISION NOTICES

The following decisions were noted:

Application details Hassocks PC recommendation to Planning Authority Planning Authority Decision (MSDC/SDNP)
DM/23/1150 Mill Nursery, London Road, Hassocks Recommend Approval Permission Granted
DM/23/1172 5 Highlands Close, Hassocks Recommend Approval Permission Granted
DM/23/1365 2 Dale Avenue, Hassocks No Objection Permission Granted
DM/23/1405 7 Elm Tree Close, Hassocks Recommend Approval Permission Granted

 

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/23/1393 80 Friars Oak Road, Hassocks Noted LDC issued
DM/23/1459 69 Ockley Lane, Hassocks Not consulted GPD issued

 

The committee noted that the following application had been withdrawn:

DM/22/0465 Mill Nursery London Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 9NB. Discharge of conditions 4, 5 and 12 of application DM/21/0165.

P23/34 APPEAL HEARING NOTIFICATION. AP/23/0036 Byanda Brighton Road Hassocks West Sussex. Members were invited to note correspondence received from MSDC regarding the above appeal hearing to be held on 13th September 2023 at the Council Chambers, Mid Sussex District Council, Haywards Heath.

P23/34.1 It was AGREED that Cllr Bill Hatton would represent the Parish Council at the hearing.

P23/35 NEW STREET NAMES – Members were invited to consider feedback from Councillors regarding suggestions for the naming of 6 new streets in the planned development on the Land to the rear of the Friars Oak Pub.

P23/35.1 After some discussion it was AGREED:

i. That two names should be decided upon using links to the twinned towns of Montmirail in France and Wald-Michelbach in Germany. The Deputy Clerk was asked to contact Cllr Carolyn Barton for suggestions.

ii. The names of two early landowners in Keymer:

  • “Azor” who held Keymer before the Norman Conquest.
  • “Watteville” after landowner William of Watteville.

iii. Two local residents who made positive contributions to the village in their lifetime (subject to the permission of their next of kin):

  • Mary Coldman for her work with Age Concern.
  • John Walker – an accomplished musician.

P23/36 WSCC PERMISSIVE BRIDLEWAY CONSULTATION – FOOTPATH 5K, HASSOCKS.  Members were invited to note correspondence received from West Sussex County Council relating to a proposal to enter into a permissive bridleway agreement for Footpath 5K in Hassocks and to consider any comments for submission on behalf of Hassocks Parish Council. (Appendix 3 of the agenda).

P23/36.1 It was AGREED that the Council supports this agreement and the Deputy Clerk was asked to submit a comment to WSCC to confirm this.

P23/36.2 Although unrelated to this consultation.  Members raised concerns over the current temporary closure of the stretch of PROW 5K across the Friars Oak Fields to enable the improvements to the access bridge from London Road.  Residents and Councillors have both questioned why this footpath needs to be completely closed when 5K could be accessed from Shepherds Walk, therefore by-passing the bridge (London Road) and mitigating the need to close the entire stretch.

The Deputy Clerk informed members that this has been raised with WSCC PROW team and a response is awaited.

P22/37 Urgent Matters at the discretion of the Chairman for noting and/or inclusion on a future agenda.  There were no urgent matters.

P23/38 DATE OF NEXT MEETING. 24 July 2023

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