The Horsham Planning Committee met to discuss several planning applications, approving developments in Henfield, Billingshurst, West Chiltington and Horsham, while deferring a decision on another Horsham site for further assessment. A major housing development in Storrington was approved despite local objections, and another was approved with amendments to address concerns about building heights.

Parsonage Farm Deer Park, Henfield

Outline planning consent for up to 235 dwellings at Parsonage Farm Deer Park was approved, with the building heights parameter plan removed from the approval. The decision is subject to a legal agreement and consultation with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and the applicant is asked to review highways impact. The development includes 35% affordable housing and public open space.

The Head of Development and Building Control noted that the site is allocated for approximately 205 dwellings in the Henfield Neighbourhood Plan.

The application received 29 letters of objection, two letters of support, and five letters expressing neither objection nor support. Henfield Parish Council also objected.

Concerns were raised about the speed limit on the A281 and the safety of the proposed bell mouth entrance. However, it was confirmed that roundabout tests had been conducted and the proposed access was considered reasonable. West Sussex County Council (WSCC) Highways required mitigation measures, including a gateway feature and signage.

Marringdean Road, Billingshurst

Outline planning permission for up to 79 dwellings and associated infrastructure at Marringdean Road was approved, subject to a legal agreement. Councillor John Trollope did not vote on this application as Ward Member for Billingshurst.

The Head of Development and Building Control reported that the application included allocated open space, with natural and semi natural green space, amenity green space, and a Locally Equipped Area of Play (LEAP).

The council confirmed that £15,000 of the offsite active travel package had been confirmed which comprised 4 locations of dropped curb and tactile paving throughout Billingshurst from the site to the town centre enhancing walking routes.

The application received 14 letters of objection, including one from CPRE Sussex¹, and Billingshurst Parish Council also objected.

Concerns were raised regarding drainage and sewage management, but the planning officer confirmed that the sewerage undertaker was obliged to connect the development under separate legislation. Traffic calming measures and a highway speed limit reduction would be delivered as part of the development. The planning officer confirmed that 79 dwellings would be the maximum number allowed under this application.

Foundry Lane, Horsham

A decision on retrospective planning permission for the change of use of a vehicle servicing and MOT centre to a storage and distribution use at Unit 1, Horsham Trade Park, was deferred for a noise assessment of the current operation at the site. Councillor Sam Raby did not vote on this application as Ward Member for Roffey South.

The Head of Development and Building Control reported that the application sought retrospective planning permission for change of use of the vehicle servicing and MOT centre (Use Class B2²) to a storage and distribution use (Use Class B8³).

The application received nine representations objecting to the application, including one from the Horsham Society.

Concerns were raised regarding noise generated and how this impacted on neighbouring residential properties.

North Parade, Horsham

Planning permission to erect a single storey side extension to the existing Boxing Club building within Horsham Park was approved. Councillor Clive Trott did not vote on this application as Ward Member for Denne.

The Head of Development and Building Control reported that the application sought planning permission to erect a single storey side extension to the existing Boxing Club building within Horsham Park that was owned by Horsham District Council and let to Horsham Amateur Boxing Club.

The application received one letter of support. Horsham Denne Neighbourhood Council objected to the application on the basis of the proposed location of the cycle storage.

Hatches House, West Chiltington

An application to amend Condition 1 of a previously approved application to undertake various design changes at Hatches House was approved.

The Head of Development and Building Control reported that the application sought to amend Condition 1 (plans list) of the previously approved application (DC/22/1145) to undertake various design changes including the removal of the rear brick chimney, removal of the ensuite in bedroom two, the addition of a fourth bedroom and the addition of a second parking space in the front courtyard.

West Chiltington Parish Council objected to the application.

Land North of Melton Drive, Storrington

Outline planning permission for up to 62 dwellings at land north of Melton Drive was approved, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement.

The Head of Development and Building Control reported that the application sought outline planning consent for up to 62 dwellings and associated infrastructure with all matters reserved other than Access. 35% (22 units) of the 62 dwellings would be affordable housing.

The application received 68 letters of objection and one letter of support. Storrington and Sullington Parish Council and West Chiltington Parish Council strongly objected. Andrew Griffith, Member of Parliament for Arundel and South Downs, and CPRE Sussex also objected.

A motion to defer the application to seek further comments from WSCC Highways and to reexamine concerns about speed limits and the possibility of installing a roundabout failed.

Land South of Bax Close, Storrington

Full planning permission for the erection of 30 dwellings at land south of Bax Close was approved, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement.

The Head of Development and Building Control reported that the application sought full planning permission for the erection of 30x dwellings together with associated access, landscaping, open-space and supporting infrastructure.

The application received 144 letters of objection. Storrington and Sullington Parish Council and Amberley Parish Council objected.

Land at Campsfield, Linfield Close, Southwater

Outline planning permission with all matters reserved except for access for up to 82 dwellings at land at Campsfield, Linfield Close, was approved, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement.

The Head of Development and Building Control reported that the application sought outline planning consent with all matters reserved except for access for up to 82 dwellings with vehicular and pedestrian accesses, public open space, noise mitigation measures, landscaping, foul and surface water drainage and associated works.

The application received 41 letters of objection. Southwater Parish Council objected.

Land to the Rear of the Rectory, High Street, Rusper

Full planning permission for the erection of 9 dwellings at land to the rear of The Rectory, High Street, Rusper, was approved, subject to conditions.

The Head of Development and Building Control reported that the application sought full planning permission for the erection of 9no. new build dwellings including the formation of a new vehicle access and associated landscaping works.

The application received 67 letters of objection. Rusper Parish Council objected.

Saxon Road, Steyning

Planning permission for the erection of rear, side and front extensions, new roof with front gable, and front and rear dormers at 14 Saxon Road, Steyning was approved, subject to conditions.

The Head of Development and Building Control reported that the application sought planning permission for the erection of rear, side and front extensions, new roof with front gable, and front and rear dormers.

The application received two letters of objection and two letters of support. Steyning Parish Council objected.

Church Centre, Causeway, Horsham

Planning permission for a change of use from community use to mixed community use and pre-school at Church Centre, Causeway, Horsham was approved, subject to conditions.

The Head of Development and Building Control reported that the application sought a change of use from community use (Use Class F2(b)) to mixed community use (Use Class F2(b)) and Pre-School (Use Class F1(a)).

The application received six letters of objection. Horsham Denne Neighbourhood Council commented with no objection in principle but with concerns about traffic and parking.