Agenda and minutes

To confirm and sign the minutes of the previous meeting held on 11 October 2023 (attached herewith).

The minutes of the meeting held on the 11 October 2023 were submitted and approved and the Chair was authorised to sign them as a correct record.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Graham Amy and Sean MacLeod.

Disclosure by councillors of personal interests in matters on the agenda, the nature of any interest and whether the councillor regards the interest as prejudicial under the terms of the Code of Conduct.

There were none.

Items not on the agenda which the Chair of the meeting is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency by reason of special circumstances as defined in Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There were none.

To receive petitions from councillors or members of the public in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13 (Page D10 of the Constitution).

An e-petition with 790 signatures has been received: Reject the proposed housing development between Chailey and Newick, East Sussex, (LW/21/1000).

An e-petition with 790 signatures was received: Reject the proposed housing development between Chailey and Newick, East Sussex, (LW/21/1000).

The petition organiser, Mr Matt Hobbs, summarised the petition.

The Council’s Head of Planning acknowledged receipt of the e-petition, and the Chair thanked Mr Hobbs for his participation.

To deal with written questions from councillors pursuant to Council Procedure Rule 12.3 (page D9 of the Constitution).

There were none.

Where additional information has been received by Planning Officers subsequent to the publication of the agenda, a supplementary report will be added to this item and published on the Council’s website the day before the meeting to update the main reports with any late information.

Two supplementary reports were circulated to the Committee prior to the meeting, updating the main reports on the agenda with any late information (copies of which were published on the Council’s website).

Resolved:

That planning application LW/23/0594 for a detached prefabricated changing place facility for members of the public with severe disabilities and assistants be approved, subject to the conditions set out in the report, Appendix 1 and supplementary reports.

Councillor Nick Beaumont (Chair) spoke on behalf of Plumpton Parish Council. Sarah Sheath (Agent) and Paul Stevens (CPRE Sussex) spoke in support of the proposal.

Resolved:

That planning application LW/23/0583 for the development of land to provide mixed use leisure and commercial park, including new commercial units, office hub, craft workshops and a wellness/fitness centre be approved, subject to a S106 Legal Agreement to cover the implementation and on-going maintenance of the Community Orchard, Meadow and Community Area, and the conditions set out in the report and supplementary reports.

Report of Head of Planning

The Committee received the report which provided a summary of the Appeals performance 2021-2023 and 2023-2024 to date.

The Senior Planning Specialist (SPS) summarised the report, highlighting key issues surrounding the likelihood that Lewes District Council will be designated as failing to meet the national planning indicator for quality decisions on major planning applications.  

The SPS further highlighted that if this were to happen, it could have a significant impact on major planning application decision making and the reputation of the Council and its services.

The SPS noted that Officers and Committee Members would meet to develop an action plan to deal with major application decisions and appeals.

Resolved: That the report be noted.

To note that the next meeting of the Planning Applications Committee is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, 17 January 2024, in the Council Chamber, County Hall, St Anne’s Crescent, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1UE, commencing at 5:00pm.

It was noted that the next meeting of the Planning Applications Committee was scheduled to be held on Wednesday, 17 January 2024, in the Council Chamber, County Hall, St Anne’s Crescent, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1UE, commencing at 5:00pm.