The Crawley Borough Council Planning Committee convened on 16 September 2025, to discuss a range of planning and tree preservation matters within the borough. The committee was scheduled to consider a listed building consent application, and two applications relating to tree preservation orders.

Repairs to 49-51 High Street, Northgate

The committee was scheduled to review an application for listed building consent for 49-51 High Street, Northgate. The application, reference number CR/2024/0472/LBC, was submitted by Crawley Borough Council, with Graves Jenkins acting as the agent. The proposal detailed a series of repairs to the building, which is Grade II* Listed¹. The planned works included:

• Roof: Replacement of damaged Horsham Stone slates and clay tiles, repairs and repointing of brickwork on both chimneys, and new chimney pots.
• Front elevation: Restoration of render infill panels, replacement of lead detailing on the southern gable, repairs to the bay window, and repairs to timber work and framing.
• Rear elevation: Removal and replacement of a mono-pitched roof to the southern rear extension, removal of modern render, repair and repointing of brickwork, repairs to retained render and the fire escape door, removal of asbestos promenade tiles and replacement of the existing access walkway covering, installation of new roof felt around the rear roof light, and restoration of a damaged first-floor window.
• North side elevation: Repointing of brickwork on the chimneybreast and side elevation, removal of rotten glazing and frame and installation of a new window on the ground floor, repairs to windows, and repair works to a waste pipe along the first-storey side elevation and fire escape door.
• Internal works: Repair of damaged plaster on the ground and first floors, removal and replacement of damaged timbers, restoration of lathe and plaster linings, and minor alterations to fireplaces.

According to the report pack, the building is a timber-framed hall-house dating back to approximately 1450, with an L-wing added around 1530, and a modern brick wing added later. It was restored in 1927. The building currently houses a restaurant occupying roughly two-thirds of the northern section, and a law firm occupying the southern third.

The report noted that the proposed works would be undertaken using traditional methods of repair and restoration. The Head of Economy and Planning recommended that consent be delegated subject to the receipt of the consultation response from Historic England, and a number of conditions.

Tree Preservation Order - Adjacent to 3 Horndean Close, Pound Hill

The committee was also scheduled to discuss an application concerning a tree preservation order (TPO), reference number CR/2024/0326/TPO, relating to a tree adjacent to 3 Horndean Close, Pound Hill. The proposal was for the felling of an oak tree.

The application stated that the oak tree was causing subsidence damage to the extension at 4 Horndean Close, which is located to the west of the tree. Documents provided in support of the application included:

• An Engineer's Conclusion Report from The Subsidence Hub
• An Arboricultural Appraisal Report from MWA Arboriculture dated 19 July 2023
• A Site Investigation Report from Auger dated 12 April 2023
• A Level Monitoring Report from My Home Needs dated 8 January 2025

The report noted that the oak tree is a mature specimen with an estimated life expectancy of over 100 years. It is located within a belt of trees that separates the developments of Ferndown and Horndean Close to the north from Haywards to the south. The tree is visually prominent from several locations, making it important to the green amenity and character of the area.

The report stated that the tree is approximately 9 metres away from the property, putting it within the zone of influence for its species and size. Trial holes revealed roots belonging to the oak species beneath the foundations of the extension, with starch present, indicating that the roots are alive and active. The foundations of the extension were found to be 850-1000mm deep.

The Head of Economy and Planning recommended that consent be granted subject to conditions, including a condition that within 12 months of the felling of the tree, the owner of the land should plant a Hornbeam tree in a location as close to the felled tree as practical.

Tree Preservation Order - 101 Ifield Drive, Ifield

The committee was scheduled to consider an application concerning a tree preservation order (TPO), reference number CR/2025/0246/TPO, relating to 101 Ifield Drive, Ifield. The proposal was for the felling of an oak tree in the front garden.

The report stated that the tree is protected under Tree Preservation Order Reference: 16.04.14, designation T1 confirmed on 1 June 1991.

The report noted that the tree is moribund and has been in decline since approximately 2012. It has been heavily pruned in the past, resulting in poor form and loss of amenity. The tree is located adjacent to a busy road, and it is considered that it will likely soon cause a hazard to the public as it continues to decline.

The Head of Economy and Planning recommended that consent be granted subject to conditions, including a condition that within 12 months of the felling of the tree, the owner of the land should plant an Oak tree in a location as close to the felled tree as practical and within the front garden of 101 Ifield Drive.