Mid Sussex Council's planning committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, 9th October 2025, to discuss several planning applications and a tree preservation order. The committee will consider applications for a new dwelling in Hurstpierpoint, extensions to a property in Hassocks, and a telecommunications tower in Burgess Hill. They will also discuss whether to confirm a tree preservation order in Sharpthorne.

Land Adjacent To The Meadows, Hurstpierpoint

The committee will consider an application for permission in principle for a single dwelling on land adjacent to The Meadows, Little Park Farm, Marchants Close, Hurstpierpoint. Emma Poland is the applicant.

The planning officer's report notes that two ward councillors requested that the application be considered by the planning committee.

The report states that while the proposal conflicts with some policies in the development plan, it is not considered that it would lead to any adverse effects that would outweigh the benefits of the presumption in favour of sustainable development. The report also notes that the council cannot demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable housing sites.

The Hurstpierpoint Society objects to the proposal, arguing that it would detract from the setting of Little Park Farm, a grade II* listed building¹, and fails to comply with several district plan and neighbourhood plan policies. The council's conservation officer also objects, stating that the principle of a new dwelling on this site is contentious and would result in a change in the character of the site, which should be retained as an open paddock.

West Sussex Highways Authority has no objection to the principle of a single dwelling in this location.

The planning officer recommends that permission in principle be granted, subject to a condition.

The Beaumont, 8 Ockley Lane, Hassocks

The committee will also consider an application for a two-storey side extension and single-storey rear extension at The Beaumont, 8 Ockley Lane, Hassocks. The applicant is Mr Dan Louden.

A neighbour at No.10 Ockley Lane has objected to the proposal, citing concerns about the impact on light and outlook. The neighbour states:

I am extremely concerned that the light into our living room would be materially impacted.

The council's tree officer has no objection, following the receipt of an arboricultural impact assessment.

Southern Water has no objections to this proposal.

The planning officer recommends that planning permission be approved, subject to conditions.

Land North Of Leylands Road, Burgess Hill

The planning committee will consider a prior notification application for the installation of a 30-metre high lattice tower, mounted with antennas and cabinets, within a fenced compound on land north of Leylands Road, Burgess Hill. The applicant is Cellnex Connectivity Solutions Limited (CCSL).

The planning officer's report notes that the council owns the land that the application relates to, but that the council's role as landowner is separate from its role as the local planning authority.

66 letters of objection have been received, raising concerns about the visual impact of the proposal, its location on a local green space, and potential harm to wildlife.

Burgess Hill Town Council recommends refusal, due to non-compliance with policies DP23, DP26, DP29 and DP38 of the Mid Sussex District Plan and policies G1 and G4 of the Burgess Hill Neighbourhood Plan.

The council's tree officer has no objection, although they have raised a concern regarding the categorisation of a T1 Oak tree.

The council's ecologist has no objection, subject to conditions.

The planning officer recommends that prior approval is granted, subject to conditions.

Land Adjacent 15 Bayhams Field, Sharpthorne

The committee will discuss whether to confirm a new Woodland Tree Preservation Order (TPO), TP/25/0003, at land adjacent to 15 Bayhams Field, Sharpthorne.

The trees are located on a corner site, bounded by a public footpath and the property of 15 Bayhams Field. The woodland fronts Bayhams Field road.

The landowner has objected to the order, arguing that it would obstruct any possibility of development and that the land does not contribute positively to the visual landscape. The landowner also states that no ecological assessment or documented biodiversity appraisal has been provided to justify the protection status.

The planning officer's report states that the trees have significant public amenity value and provide a valuable green space and habitat. The report also notes that the threat of the loss of trees on the land is the overriding factor.

The planning officer recommends that the order is confirmed.

Other Matters

The committee will also note substitutes for the meeting, receive apologies for absence, and receive declarations of interest from members.

The committee will be asked to agree the minutes of the previous meeting held on 11 September 2025. At that meeting, the committee considered applications relating to Ashwyn Business Centre, Burgess Hill, 59 Lucastes Avenue, Haywards Heath, and The Platt, Crawley Down.

The committee will also consider any items that the Chairman agrees to take as urgent business, and answer questions pursuant to Council Procedure Rule 10.2, due notice of which has been given.