Planning Committee

Minutes

HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL

Draft Minutes of the PLANNING COMMITTEE Meeting held on Monday 24th March at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre, Adastra Park, Hassocks

Attendees: Parish Councillors: Cllr Kristian Berggreen, Cllr Lesley Cruickshank-Robb, Cllr Don McBeth, Cllr Angus Neil, Cllr Bill Hatton.

In Attendance: Deputy Clerk – Helen Valler

Clerk – Elaine Langridge

P24/160 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE – Cllr Robert Brewer.

P24/161 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST.  There were no declarations of interest.

P24/162 MINUTES. It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on
3^rd March 2025 be signed by the Chair as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

P24/163 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION. No members of the public present.

P24/164 APPLICATIONS:

DM/25/0439 31 Dale Avenue Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8LP Removal of existing garage and conservatory. Erection of a rear single-storey extension spanning the width of the original house. (LDC). RESPONSE: Noted.

DM/25/0147 54 And 56 Oak Tree Drive Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8YD Proposed loft conversion to create a master bedroom, raising of the roof by 710mm, and insertion of dormer window 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.

DM/25/0393 The Royal British Legion Woodsland Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8HE Change of use of the existing vacant social club (Use Class F2) to co-working studios (Use Class E), with a first floor extension proposed above the existing ground floor addition to the front of the building, together with the installation of new windows, roof lights, solar panels and heat pumps and a bin and cycle store.

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/25/0500 20 Oldlands Avenue Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8DJ Single storey rear addition.

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/25/0560 2 Fir Tree Way Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8BT Proposed conversion of existing garage, internal alteration and new rear extension. (LDC). RESPONSE: Noted.

DM/25/0333 11 Adastra Avenue Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8DP Proposed single storey kitchen extension plus first floor dormer 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/25/0566 14 Sycamore Way Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8YH Proposed loft conversion with rear 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/25/0437 The Beaumont 8 Ockley Lane Hassocks West Sussex Proposed two storey side extension and single storey rear extension. External works to reduce and level the driveway.

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/25/0579 Hammonds Mill Farm London Road Hassocks West Sussex Proposed conversion of four agricultural barns to four residential dwellings. RESPONSE: Recommend Refusal.  The committee reiterate their comments from application DM/21/3330:

The referenced agricultural buildings are in a very poor condition and beyond repair, almost certainly requiring a complete rebuild. It is therefore the belief of the Parish Council that the proposed application falls outside the scope of Class Q which relates to the ‘conversion’ of existing buildings; these buildings will not be conversions they will be new builds. Furthermore, the proposed design is out of keeping with the area and is therefore contrary to Character and Design, Policy 9, of the Hassocks Neighbourhood Plan and Policy DP26 of the District Plan. Furthermore, the application is contrary to:

• Hassocks Neighbourhood Plan policy 1 – Local Gap/preventing coalescence. There have already been several large developments within the Local Gap between Hassocks & Burgess Hill.
• The proposal is not in keeping with the surrounding curtilage of the listed building.

DM/25/0381 45 Ockley Way Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8NF Side extension at first floor over existing ground floor area. Rear extension at ground floor to rear. Clearance of existing ancillary garage and outhouse buildings and creation of new attached garage. 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/25/0516 41 Clerks Acre Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8BE Proposal to knock through window and replace with a kitchen door. RESPONSE: Recommend Approval.

DM/25/0684 Downsbrook House 2 The Minnels Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8QW Beech tree – Reduce by up to 1.5 meters and rebalance. Remove small limbs crossing over major limbs on west side to prolong life of major limbs. Raise canopy to 4 meters. RESPONSE: Refer to Tree Officer.

DM/23/2837 New Close Farmhouse London Road Hassocks West Sussex 61 new solar panels to be sited in the field of New House Farmhouse in the grounds of a listed building with associated landscaping. RESPONSE: Having now seen the updated comments from the Conservation Officer the committee are happy to recommend approval.

DM/25/0695 17 Kings Drive Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8DX Proposed single storey rear extension and replacement of garage door with pedestrian door and side 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.

LI/25/0321 Silver Rocket Brewing Ltd Lodge Farm Lodge Lane Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8XP An application has been made to the Licensing Authority for Mid Sussex District Council for the grant of a New Premises Licence. RESPONSE: Insufficient information available to make a recommendation.

SDNP/25/00951/FUL Halfway , Ditchling Road, Clayton, West Sussex, BN6 9PH Demolition of existing garage, with erection of replacement garage/barn. Creation of new access driveway from New Road (B2112), with associated landscaping. RESPONSE: Recommend Refusal. The committee consider it dangerous and unnecessary to build the new access driveway The new garage is of excessive size and is over-development.

P24/165 APPLICATIONS FOR DISCHARGE OF PLANNING CONDITIONS

No applications received

P24/166 RESOLVED that the observations on the planning issues as agreed above be submitted to the relevant Planning Authority for consideration.

P24/167 PLANNING AUTHORITY DECISION NOTICES

The following decisions were noted:

P24/168 URGENT MATTERS at the discretion of the Chairman for noting and/or inclusion on a future agenda. There were no urgent matters.

P24/169 DATE OF NEXT MEETING. Monday 14^th April at 7.30pm.

There being no other business the Chair closed the meeting at 8.31pm