Agenda and minutes

That it be noted that Councillor Imogen Makepeace has been appointed under delegated authority, to replace Councillor Sean MacLeod, who resigned as a member of the Planning Applications Committee.

It was noted that Councillor Imogen Makepeace has been appointed under delegated authority, to replace Councillor Sean MacLeod, who resigned as a member of the Planning Applications Committee.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the previous meeting held on 4 September 2024 (attached herewith).

The minutes of the meeting held on the 4 September 2024 were submitted and approved, and the Chair was authorised to sign them as an accurate record.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Roy Clay.

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.

Councillor Stella Spiteri declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Agenda Item 11 (planning application LW/23/0606) as the Applicant was known to her on a personal level. She therefore left the room for the duration of this item and did not participate in the consideration, discussion or voting thereon.

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).

There were none.

To deal with written questions from Members 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.

A supplementary report was circulated to the Committee the day before the meeting, updating the main reports on the agenda with any late information (a copy of which was published on the Council’s website).

Councillor John Kay spoke on behalf of Ringmer Parish Council. Eleanor Robins (Neighbour), Harvey Linehan (Near Neighbour) and Claire Ottewell (Near Neighbour, who had a speech read on her behalf by the Committee Officer) spoke against the proposal. Tristan Robinson (Applicant) and Adrian Lee (Applicant) spoke for the proposal. Councillor Emily O’Brien spoke in her capacity as the Lewes District Ward Councillor.

Resolved:

That planning application LW/23/0752 for the erection of 95 dwellings, with associated access, car parking, refuse/recycling storage, landscaping, infrastructure and works be deferred to obtain counsels opinion on the proposed reasons for refusal as set out by the Head of Development Management:

(Proposed reason for refusal) The Development, by reason of its occupation of undeveloped green space that forms part of a green buffer between Ringmer and Broyleside, would result in an unacceptable erosion of this buffer that would compromise the identity of Ringmer and Broyleside as two distinct semi-rural settlements and present as unacceptable sprawl into the rural environment. On balance of the material considerations, the benefits of the Proposal would not outweigh the harms. The Development is therefore in conflict with LLP 1, Policies CP10 and CP11 and LLP2 Policies DM1 and DM25 and Ringmer Neighbourhood Plan Policies 4.6 and 6.3 and Paragraph 135 180 of the NPPF.

Councillor Harriet Martin (Chair) spoke on behalf of Wivelsfield Parish Council. John Kay (Chair of CPRE Sussex) and Mark Stephenson (Neighbour) spoke against the proposal. Neal MacGregor (Agent) spoke for the proposal.

Resolved:

That planning application LW/24/0178 for the approval of Reserved Matters following Outline Planning Permission (LW/21/0729) relating to the layout, scale, appearance and landscaping for the erection of 96 new dwellings (including 40% affordable) and on-site play area provision be approved, subject to the conditions set out in the report and supplementary report and change to the wording of the materials condition to include “notwithstanding what is shown on the approved plans for material planning should be agreed.”

Councillor Cathy Wickens spoke on behalf of Newick Parish Council. Andrew Wilson (Near Neighbour) and Susan Austin (Near Neighbour) spoke against the proposal. Guy Dixon (Agent) spoke for the proposal.

Resolved:

That planning application LW/23/0606 for the conversion of existing commercial building to provide 8 flats and erection of 11 new build residential dwellings with associated secure cycle storage provision, vehicle parking, bin storage and landscaping, demolition of existing buildings be approved, subject to:

1.     The conditions set out in the report and supplementary report;

2.     A Section 106 Agreement to secure SAMMS and SANGS contributions, Highways obligations, including a contribution of £26,000, and a late-stage viability review, to be funded by the applicant, to ascertain whether affordable housing should be provided on site or a contribution in lieu; and

3.     That delegated authority be granted to the Head of Development Control to add the reasons for the drainage conditions set out conditions 4 -11 in the report which should read “to ensure proper surface water and flood management in accordance with policy [to be stipulated]”.

There were no registered speakers for this item.

Resolved:

That planning application LW/24/0467 for full planning permission for the replacement of existing windows and patio doors, and the uPVC infill panels be approved, subject to the conditions set out in the report.

To note that the next meeting of the Planning Applications Committee is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, 6 November 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, 6 November 2024, in the Council Chamber, County Hall, St Anne’s Crescent, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1UE, commencing at 5:00pm.