Planning Committee

Minutes

HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the PLANNING COMMITTEE Meeting held on Tuesday 2 April 2024 at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre, Adastra Park, Hassocks

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

In Attendance: Deputy Clerk – Tracy Forte.

P23/170 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE. Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Carolyn Barton, Lesley Cruickshank-Robb and Angus Neil.

P23/171 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST.  There were no declarations of interest.

P23/172 MINUTES. It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 11 March 2024 be signed by the Chair as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

P23/173 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.  There were no members of public present.

P23/174 APPLICATIONS

DM/24/0493 18 Newlands Close Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8BQ Proposed conversion of garage into a habitable room, with the increase of roof height, with a new 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/24/0543 Little Shambles 4 Meadows Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8EH Removal of existing rear conservatory and erection of a single storey pitched roof rear extension. (LDC). Response: NOTED

DM/24/0550 29 Silverdale Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8RD Proposed two storey side extension. (Amendment to approved scheme DM/22/2834). 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/24/0251 45 The Quadrant Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8BS Proposed single storey rear extension behind existing house and 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/24/0042 5 Clayton Park Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8JQ Proposed single storey side extension including a partial conversion of the existing garage to form an annexe ancillary to main dwelling, for a dependant relative. New porch to the front elevation of existing dwelling. Revised drawings received on 08.03.2024 to amend red edged boundary and make bedroom roof window retractable.  Response: RECOMMEND REFUSAL.  The Parish Council notes the amended boundary, however its comments remain unchanged. The proposed application represents significant overdevelopment of the site and is therefore contrary to Policy DP26: Character and Design of the District Plan and Policy 9: Character and Design of the Hassocks Neighbourhood Plan.

DM/24/0589 East Lodge Belmont Lane Hurstpierpoint Hassocks West Sussex BN6 9EP To erect a simple car port next to the existing garage block. Proposed Oak frame car port with 6 timber posts with sloping roof from front to back. Response: RECOMMEND APPROVAL.

DM/24/0607 26 Wilmington Close Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8QB Erection of a 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/24/0669 25 Oak Tree Drive Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8YA Proposed single storey rear extension and internal modifications. 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.

5.9 DM/24/0538 52 Stanford Avenue Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8JH Side extension with integrated garage with room above. Response: RECOMMEND APPROVAL.  However the Parish Council wishes to draw attention to the window in the neighbouring property which may be impacted by a potential loss of light due to the proposed increase in height to the garage building.

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.

5.10 DM/24/0722 10 Abbots Close Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8PH Proposed rear dormer window extension. (LDC). Response: NOTED

5.11 SDNP/24/01000/DCOND Land West of The Drove Ditchling East Sussex Discharge of Condition 3 (Further Schemes) in relation to the approval of SDNP/21/00894/FUL. Response: NOTED

P23/175 APPLICATIONS FOR DISCHARGE OF PLANNING CONDITIONS.  None.

P23/176 RESOLVED that the observations on the planning issues as agreed above be submitted to the relevant Planning Authority for consideration.

P23/177 PLANNING AUTHORITY DECISION NOTICES

The following decisions were noted:

P23/177.1 SDNPA Notice of Article 4 Direction – Land at Clayton Hill, New Way lane, Clayton, Hassocks.

Members were invited to note correspondence from the SDNPA informing that a new Article 4 Direction is in place for Land at Clayton Hill, New Way lane, Clayton, Hassocks.  (Appendix 1). (To view Appendix 1 please click here).

Members noted this information.

P23/178 PROPOSED BASE STATION INSTALLATION UPGRADE AT CORNERSTONE 11353925, HASSOCKS FOOTBALL CLUB, THE BEACON GROUND, BRIGHTON ROAD, A2723, HASSOCKS, WEST SUSSEX, BN6 9LY.  Members were invited to note correspondence from WHP Telecoms Ltd regarding the above listed proposed base station installation, and to consider the submission of any comments on behalf of Hassocks PC.  Members noted the proposal and had no comments.

P23/179 Urgent Matters at the discretion of the Chairman for noting and/or inclusion on a future agenda.

DM/24/0800 Adjacent To 27 Clayton Avenue Hassocks West Sussex. 1 x 4 Stem Sycamore – Fell to base. 1 x Dead Sycamore – Fell to base. Scots Pine – Remove two lowest east facing branches.

The Deputy Clerk informed Members that the deadline for the submission of comments for this application was 17^th April which is before the next Planning Meeting due to be held on 22 April.  The MSDC Case Officer has advised that the application is for necessary safety works on trees which are adjacent to a public footpath, and as such a prompt decision is required.  If the Case Officer were to grant an extension for the submission of comments until after 22 April, this would delay any decision being made. Therefore given the specific circumstances around this application, Members were invited to note the application to avoid any additional delays.    Members noted the application.

P23/180 DATE OF NEXT MEETING. Monday 22 April 2024.

There being no other business the Chair closed the meeting at 8pm.