Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee
held in Council Chambers, Billingshurst Centre, Roman Way, Billingshurst,
on Tuesday 20 January 2015 at 7.30pm
001/15 Attendance and Apologies for Absence.
Those Present:
Also Present:
Apologies:
Cllrs. G. Commins, D. Homer (Chair), S. Kingston, P. Leaney, K. Longhurst
and L. Wilding.
Deputy Clerk E. Berry and Assistant Clerk J. Booth and 2 members of the
public.
None.
002/15 Declarations of Interest and notification of changes to members’ interests.
There were no declarations of interest of notification of changes to members’ interests.
003/15 Approval of the Minutes of the Planning and Environment Committee Meeting held
on 16 December 2014 previously circulated.
Cllr. Wilding proposed that the minutes be accepted and signed as a true record, was
seconded by Cllr. Commins and UNANIMOUSLY AGREED. The minutes were duly
accepted and signed as a true record by the Chairman.
004/15 Matters Arising, for information only.
i.
195/15 (i) Horsham District Council (HDC) confirms that the developers prefer the
suggested name of Myrtle Close for the new development in Myrtle Lane. Therefore
they proposed to go ahead and name the new road as such.
005/15 Public Session.
The members of the public present made their comments at the time the relevant planning
applications were discussed.
006/15 Planning Applications.
i.
DC/14/2663 Erect a timber building in the same style as the existing timber stable block
and hay barn, to be used for overnight accommodation.
MANTON STUD,
OKEHURST LANE, BILLINGSHURST. The Deputy Clerk explained that, although
the Parish Council had been provided with a copy of the applicant’s partner’s medical
records, they had not been opened as personal circumstances is not a material
consideration for the Parish Council when considering planning applications. The
applicant’s representative was present at the meeting and agreed to let the applicant know
this.
The applicant’s representative explained that the planning application description should
be “…temporary overnight accommodation” and said that it will only be required for as
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Billingshurst Parish Council
Minutes of Planning and Environment Committee Meeting
20 January 2015
long as the applicant’s partner’s medical conditions require it. When he no longer needs
the accommodation it will be used on a day basis.
Cllr. Longhurst arrived.
Cllr. Wilding proposed that the Parish Council does not object to the application subject
to the temporary nature of the arrangement, was seconded by Cllr. Leaney and
UNANIMOUSLY AGREED.
ii.
DC/15/0004 Full Planning application for the rationalisation, and extension of the
existing Five Oaks Audi on-site car parking and vehicle storage, and associated
landscaping. Affects the setting of a Listed Building. HARWOODS GARAGES
LIMITED, HORSHAM ROAD, FIVE OAKS, BILLINGSHURST. A member of the
public explained to Councillors that he is the owner of the Grade II Listed Building
referred to in the application and expressed his concerns at the extent of the proposal. He
said that he has seen the site expand enormously in recent years and that a previous
application had been refused on appeal. Cllr. Wilding quoted an extract from the letter to
HDC of 24 December 2014 from HNW Architects which acknowledges the appeal
dismissal in 2005 on grounds surrounding the landscaping and economic evidence. Cllr.
Wilding said that she could not see any justification for this size of application in a rural
area. Cllr. Commins pointed out that Harwoods Garage is a main local employer in the
area and that the garage is also a local shop for many residents. Cllr. Longhurst said that
he remembered the garage as a very small business which expanded when the pub was
demolished. He said that the existing complex is huge for its location and he was against
the loss of good agricultural land.
Cllr. Longhurst proposed that the Parish Council objects to this application on the
grounds of loss of agricultural land and the sheer size and scale of the proposal being out
of keeping in a hamlet as small as Five Oaks. The proposal was seconded by Cllr.
Kingston and a vote taken: In Favour 4, Against 1, Abstention 1. AGREED.
iii.
DC/14/2704 Surgery to 1 x Oak and 1 x Field Maple (Tree Preservation Order). 6
WINDMILL PLACE, BILLINGSHURST.
Cllr. Homer proposed that the Parish
Council defers to Will Jones’ expert opinion, was seconded by Cllr. Commins and a vote
taken: In Favour 5, Abstention 1. AGREED.
iv.
DC/14/2668 First floor side extension above existing garage and garage conversion. 26
CRANHAM AVENUE, BILLINGSHURST. Cllr. Wilding proposed that the Parish
Council does not object to this application, was seconded by Cllr. Leaney and
UNANIMOUSLY AGREED.
v.
DC/14/2691 Change of Business use from B1 and B2 to vehicle salvage yard (no
external alterations proposed). BUILDING ONE, THE BROMELIAD NURSERY,
MARRINGDEAN ROAD, BILLINGSHURST. Concerns were expressed with regard
to the storage of parts for sale and of additional cars prior to breaking. The area is known
to flood in poor weather and there were concerns about large vehicles which would be
used to transport cars for breaking. It was also noted that there is an existing scrap yard
within ¼ mile of the application site. Cllr. Homer proposed that the Parish Council
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Billingshurst Parish Council
Minutes of Planning and Environment Committee Meeting
20 January 2015
objects to the application, was seconded by Cllr. Longhurst and a vote taken: In Favour
4, Against 1, Abstention 1. AGREED.
West Sussex County Council (WSCC)
i.
WSCC/072/14/BL Redevelopment of the Weald School including the erection of new 3storey infill teaching block, changing rooms, new kitchen facilities, works to provide new
delivery access, erection of new roof to provide two storey covered dining space, single
storey extensions to drama and music blocks, erection of a new substation and provision
of dedicated recycling area, the provision of four temporary classrooms (for use during
construction) and hard and soft landscaping. WEALD SCHOOL, STATION ROAD,
BILLINGSHURST.
This application was considered at the Planning and Environment Committee meeting held
on 06 November 2014. At that meeting the Parish Council objected to the application on
the following grounds:-
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The areas of Parbrook, Hurstlands, Natts Lane and Groomsland Drive are already prone to
flooding despite being in Flood Zone 1 (low risk). The increased flows as a result of this
development would considerably worsen the problems already being experienced.
Southern Water has noted that the proposed development would increase flows to the
public sewerage system and, as the foul capacity is known to be inadequate, land may be
subject to a greater risk of flooding.
The bus lay-by cannot cope and staggered departure of the buses is being considered and
there are insufficient car parking spaces for staff vehicles. Additionally, there is no
pavement from the bus lay-by to the top of Station Road.
Construction traffic, if it is permitted access via Station Road, would constitute a hazard for
all local users as well as staff and pupils and should be channelled via the A29.
Account has not been taken of the next expansion of Billingshurst as a result of the 475
houses which have been allowed on land to the east.
The concerns raised by Mr and Mrs Jones which have been submitted to WSCC are fully
supported by the Parish Council.
These comments were duly submitted to WSCC on 07 November 2014. The Senior
Planner contacted the Parish Office by email on 13 January 2015 giving responses to the
concerns raised and he said that he believed these concerns could be dealt with by use of
appropriate planning conditions and control. He said that the Parish Council’s continued
objection would require the plan being taken to Planning Committee and asked if the Parish
Council would reconsider the application.
There was a lengthy discussion which resulted in Cllr. Wilding proposing that the Parish
Council must maintain a strong objection to this application, being seconded by Cllr.
Leaney and UNANIMOUSLY AGREED. Further comments which the Committee would
like WSCC to take into account are as follows:-
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The existing drainage for the fields is very poor and causes flooding into the gardens of
Hurstlands. A household regularly has three pumps working to stop the water from
accessing the house and garage. A further neighbour also suffers from flooding.
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Billingshurst Parish Council
Minutes of Planning and Environment Committee Meeting
20 January 2015
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The WSCC drainage report:
i. the maps for the development do not go as far as to indicate where in the Par Brook
discharge from any of the pipes is;
ii. there is an intention to de-silt, jet and CCTV survey through to the stream outfall,
however, the wording on the drainage maps indicates existing pipes are silted with
aggregate deposits that need clearing with vacuum tanker and re-surveying after. This
shows that there is an awareness of problems with the existing drainage on site.
iii. Section 3.14 says: “Overland flow routes – the route west of the school is unaffected by
the proposals” Hurstlands lies in this direction and the flooding from the Weald field is
affecting those who live there.
iv. There are SUDS elements to this plan – who will maintain them in perpetuity? It would
seem that ditches around the complex have not been maintained to the correct standard
to prevent flooding off site.
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The new development at Myrtle Lane will also be discharging into Par Brook once
development starts, along with 150 houses + 50 houses at “Marringdean Fields”, 46 houses
at Daux Avenue, 46 houses at Daux Wood, 38 and shop at the Gas Works and now another
100 proposed houses for Blackthorne Barn (should this be permitted). Surely someone
looks into the capacity of the Par Brook to cope with all the surface water discharge from
the proposed developments?
What is the capacity of the Par Brook? The Environment Agency’s Arun Catchment
Officer has been involved in the recent issue of maintenance of the Par Brook and has
visited residents of Hurstlands to assess the nature of the flood event they experienced. He
says that he “understood that the issue seemed to be drainage from the school fields that
was the main cause initially and then, due to the fact that the culverts under Natts Lane and
the old London Road were at full capacity.” This is the direction of the flow coming from
both the Weald School and all developments from the other land in Natts Lane. The Arun
Catchment Officer noted that the watercourse above Hurstlands did have some additional
capacity. The Environment Agency confirmed that this was raised by residents locally and
they (EA) suggested that the Parish Council raise this as a joint concern with WSCC as
WSCC will need to understand the nature of the concerns from local resident. The EA are
willing to support this concern and would be available to attend any joint proposed site
meeting. By raising the issue with Horsham District Council Planning Department, this
would provide information for any future development proposed and also heighten the risk
that any further drainage or existing drainage systems alterations required under planning
cannot cope from the business units or land locally. The representative of the EA also said
he would note this information within the EA planning section as this would add
information if the EA receive an application for Land Drainage Consent related to the Par
Brook.
The EA clear part of the Par Brook but do not remove any collected debris because of the
legality of riparian rights. Heavy rain could mean that the debris on the banks is washed
down causing flooding. It would appear that the Weald School may be the riparian owner
of the banks of the Par Brook on the north side – do they know this?
A letter from HDC dated 18 November 2014 mentions conditions requested by the
Council’s Environmental Health Officer which do not appear to have been recorded on the
WSCC website although the Planning Officer says that they are attached.
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Billingshurst Parish Council
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Minutes of Planning and Environment Committee Meeting
20 January 2015
Construction Management Plan: Councillors had been assured that absolutely no
construction traffic would access the site from Station Road. However, for phase 2 access
is to be via the school/leisure centre car park although it is unclear if an HGV can negotiate
the existing car park.
Cllr. Commins can remember 30 years ago that rugby matches scheduled to be played at
the Weald School were regularly called off because the pitch was flooded. Cllr. Leaney
said that locals all know that it floods and always has. It was felt that desk top studies are
not good enough – site visits are absolutely essential to understand the problems in the
area.
A vote was taken on the proposed strong objection and UNANIMOUSLY AGREED. In
addition, Councillors thought that, given the scale and magnitude of this planning
application, it is appropriate that it should be taken to Planning Committee for full
consideration.
Additional Plans
i.
DC/14/2069 Retrospective consent to existing storage unit (Unit 1a) and planning
consent for additional unit (Unit 1b). 1 ELM PLACE, ROSIER COMMERCIAL
CENTRE, CONEYHURST ROAD, BILLINGSHURST. It was noted that the
applicant had submitted this plan in 2013 and it was refused. It would appear that the
development went ahead in spite of this refusal hence this retrospective application with
the addition of a further unit. It is noted that there will be a loss of the 2 car parking
spaces which exist on the site drawing for application DC/13/0219. Cllr. Wilding
proposed that the Parish Council objects to this application, was seconded by Cllr.
Kingston and UNANIMOUSLY AGREED.
ii.
DC/14/2509 Application for a proposed Minor Material Amendment to Planning
Permission DC/13/2379 (The erection 50 dwellings together with associated highway
works, parking, landscaping and open space provision) to increase the ridge height of
plots 1-8, 26-28, 33,34 and 40. LAND ADJOINING BLACKTHORNE BARN,
MARRINGDEAN ROAD, BILLINGSHURST. Councillors agreed that the initial
agreement to reduce the ridge height of houses in the development was reached in order
to obtain the planning permission and that the developers are now going back on this
agreement. Cllr. Wilding proposed that the Parish Council maintains its strong objection
to this application on grounds of mass, design and scale and also because of the negative
impact it will have on Blackthorne Barn itself, was seconded by Cllr. Kingston and
UNANIMOUSLY AGREED. Cllr. Commins left the room.
007/15 Attendance at the Development Control Meeting at Horsham District Council on 17
February 2015. DC/14/2536 – reserved matters (Strategic Infrastructure and Open
Space) for the 475 houses is due to be considered at this meeting. The Clerk will attend
and Cllr. Homer can also be available if required. Cllr. Commins returned.
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Billingshurst Parish Council
Minutes of Planning and Environment Committee Meeting
20 January 2015
008/15 Section 106 Agreements: Schedule of potential community benefits - update from
Horsham District Council.
i.
There are two changes to report this month. A spend of £2,980 for the tennis club for the
solar panels, and £4,110 towards the Allotments project for Billingshurst.
ii.
The office has received notification of a completion memorandum for DC/13/0147 which
details the s106 contributions for the application. The Community Facilities Contribution
means the financial contribution which will be used to provide the provision of a youth
café/drop in centre within the vicinity of the Proposed Development in Billingshurst in
accordance with the District Council’s Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning
Document June 2007 such contribution to be calculated in accordance with the District
Council’s planning obligations contributions calculator at the time of the Reserved
Matters Application.
009/15 Horsham District Council Planning Decisions.
PLAN NO
DC/14/2196
DC/14/2298
DC/14/1201
DC/14/2097
DC/14/2433
DC/14/2547
DC/13/0080
DESCRIPTION
Proposed first floor addition to existing
approved ground floor extension DC/13/1488
LITTLE WILDENS, CONEYHURST
ROAD, BILLINGSHURST
Erection of 1 no. 4 bed dwelling with integral
garage and formation of new access
LAND SOUTH OF PARBROOK
COTTAGES, PARBROOK
46 dwellings including new access, internal
roads and footpaths, parking areas, garaging
together with open space and play area
provision pursuant to outline permission
DC/13/0147. LAND AT DAUX WOOD
(Reserved Matters)
Demolition of existing field shelter, static
shelter and wood store, and replacement
structure comprising 4 stables, tack room, hay
store and log store for private use. SOUTH
LODGE, NEW ROAD, BILLINGSHURST
Replacement roof to existing west elevation
rear conservatory, single storey porch
extension to east, two storey front extension
to east and garage extension to east
23 ROSEHILL, BILLINGSHURST
Block paving to top end of front garden
allowing for off street parking. With dropped
kerbs.
11 RENTON CLOSE, BILLINGSHURST
Change of use of existing buildings from
agricultural to B1 (Business)/B8 (Storage or
Distribution)
LEYSHURST FARM, WEST
CHILTINGTON LANE, CONEYHURST,
BILLINGSHURST
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PC RESPONSE
HDC
DECISION
No objection
Permitted
16.12.2014
No objection
Permitted
17.12.2014
Objected to road
width and roof
height of plot 36
Permitted
18.12.2014
No objection
Permitted
19.12.2014
No objection
Permitted
5.1.2015
No objection
Permitted
30.12.2014
No objection
Permitted
12.1.2015
Billingshurst Parish Council
DC/14/2490
DC/14/2334
DC/14/2586
Minutes of Planning and Environment Committee Meeting
20 January 2015
Erection of single storey oak framed garden
room replacing existing garden room
No objection
Permitted
12.1.2015
COPSE COTTAGE, ROWNER ROAD,
BILLINGSHURST
Variation of Condition DC/10/2601 for the
repositioning of previously approved sheds
No comments
Permitted
15.1.2015
MANOR FIELDS, COOMBE HILL,
BILLINGSHURST
The removal of an existing roof, formation of
a 1st floor extension over an existing ground
No objection
Permitted
floor extension to create a master bedroom/en
15.1.2015
suite facilities
DRYCOTTS, NEW ROAD,
BILLINGSHURST
010/15 Appeals & Appeal Decisions.
i.
DC/14/0650 The Appeal Inspector was due to make a site visit to 4 Grooms Court,
Parbrook in connection with the appeal against refusal of permission for a change of use
from offices to a two bedroom house. The visit has been postponed and a new date is
awaited.
011/15 Clerk’s Announcements.
i.
A public exhibition was held on 17 January by Countryside Properties exploring the
potential to develop land to the south of Marringdean Road. All Councillors were
notified about the exhibition by the Clerk and local residents were invited by the
developer to come and view the draft plans for the site. No formal planning application
has been submitted at this time. A letter has been received from residents in Kingsfold
Close objecting to the suggestion of further development in the area. The office will
respond to the letter advising that comments must be made to HDC once the planning
application is submitted.
ii.
A CPRE public event is being held at the Drill Hall, Denne Road, Horsham on 21
March. Admission is free. This is an opportunity to hear the views of the Conservative,
Labour, Lib Dem and UKIP Parties on issues affecting countryside in Sussex.
iii.
The Parish Council has been invited to comment on the Pre-Submission Thakeham
Neighbourhood Plan. Councillors agreed that it was an excellent plan containing very
good ideas.
iv.
HDC has advised that Phase 2 of the Marringdean Road development is at the stage
where road names are being decided. Developers have put forward the following names:• Road 1 – Oak Crescent or Oak Road (due to the large oak tree to the north
western corner). Councillors agreed with Oak Road.
• Road 2 – Ash Gardens or Ash Lane (as there are a number of ash trees located on
the site and this continues the vegetative theme). Councillors agreed with Ash
Lane.
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Billingshurst Parish Council
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Minutes of Planning and Environment Committee Meeting
20 January 2015
Road 3 – Bramble Drive or Bramble Way (as it is the main access road into the
phase and splits off from The Brambles). Councillors preferred Owl Close as
another road with “Brambles” in the name may cause confusion.
012/15 Chairman’s Announcements.
i.
Notification has been received of a further planning application in respect of Reserved
Matters for the 475 houses. This application relates to the removal or variation of
condition 38 of planning permission DC/13/0735 and will be considered at the February
Main Council meeting.
013/15 Date of Next Meeting: 05 February 2015.
The meeting closed at 21.00 hrs.
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