The next stage of a major housing development in Uckfield is set to go back in front of Wealden planners next week.
On Thursday (February 1), Wealden District Council’s Planning Committee North is set to once again consider a reserved matters application on proposals to build 90 houses on land to the south of Eastbourne Road.
The scheme, which already has outline planning permission, was last considered by committee members in December, but was deferred due to a variety of concerns.
These concerns included the layout of the site and design of buildings, as well as desire to see the developer address issues raised by the council’s affordable housing team and East Sussex Highways.
According to officers, the developer has not yet fully addressed these concerns, but the scheme is being brought back as it is thought “possible” there will be further amendments by the time of the meeting.
In a report to the committee, a council planning spokesman said: “Amendments to the layout were discussed between officers and the architect and subject to the agreement of their client, the applicant, the layout issues can be addressed.
“Illustrative examples of local vernacular, detailing and materials were also discussed and amended drawings for these are also expected. At the time of writing this report, these discussed amendments have not yet been submitted. But, it is possible that they could be submitted prior to committee on 1 February 2024.
“On the basis the amendments could be turned around by the applicant and their architects in a timely manner — and with a strong focus on officers doing what we can to improve and ensure housing delivery within the District — officers have put this update report forward in the hope amendments will be made available prior to [the] 1 February 2024 committee that will adequately address the committee’s concerns and allow for a positive recommendation as originally set out by officers in December 2023.
“In the event that acceptable amendments are submitted prior to committee, these will be provided in the form of an officer update.”
The development has already been approved in principle, having gained outline planning permission in September 2021. This application seeks permission for detailed elements of the plan, including its layout, scale, appearance and landscaping.
The development overall is expected to provide 12 one-bed units, 26 two-bed units, 25 three-bed units, 23 four-bed units and four five-bed units. Of these, 32 would be classified as affordable homes.
