Purpose

The report is about a potential development involving the
demolition of existing farm buildings and the erection of
equestrian facilities on land at East Wood
Farm, Shaves Wood Lane, Albourne.
The application site is, for planning purposes, partially
within Mid Sussex District and partially within the
South Downs National Park (SDNP).  A
pre-application enquiry has been submitted to Mid Sussex District
Council (MSDC) seeking outline planning views on a proposed
development involving demolition of existing farm buildings and the
erection of equestrian facilities.
Under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, for a cross
boundary application such as this, the County Council is the
determining authority for the planning application on land outside
the boundary of a national park.
However, it is considered that it would be beneficial for Mid
Sussex District Council to be authorised to offer pre-application
advice, determine any subsequent planning application and, should
planning permission be granted, any future planning application/s
related to the same development.  This
is because they have already been in discussion with the applicant,
the South Downs National Park Authority, and have background
knowledge of the proposals, the planning history of the site, and
relevant expertise in planning matters for residential
development.
Therefore, it is proposed that Mid Sussex District Council be
granted authority under Section 101 of the Local Government Act to
discharge the County Council’s functions in relation to
the part of the site that lies outside of the South
Downs National Park.
The Chairman of the Planning and Rights of Way Committee has
been consulted and has confirmed his support.
The decision has therefore been approved by the Director of Law
and Assurance in accordance with Standing Order 3.45.

Decision

That West Sussex County Council
authorises Mid Sussex District Council to discharge the County
Council’s planning functions at land at East Wood Farm,
Shaves Wood Lane, Albourne in relation to the proposed development
and any future related planning application for the part of the
proposed development site that
lies outside the South Downs National
Park.