A planning inspector has turned down proposals for a new build in Newick.
In a decision notice published on Tuesday (January 30), a planning inspector has dismissed an appeal connected with plans to build a four-bedroom home on land to the rear of a number of houses in Allington Road.
While it had been recommended for approval at the time, Lewes District Council’s planning committee had refused the proposals in April 2023 due to concerns about its access, with councillors raising concerns about highway safety.
The planning inspector did not share this view, concluding the scheme did not pose a highway risk, but raised new concerns about the impact of the scheme on the Ashdown Forest Special Protection Area (SPA).
In their decision notice, the inspector said: “The evidence before me indicates that there is potential for recreational disturbance to the SPA through additional activity associated with the development, which could affect the integrity of the SPA.
“The Habitats Regulations require me to consider whether there are any alternative solutions. However, no such solutions have been put to me. Consequently, having regard to the Habitat Regulations, permission must not be granted.
“I therefore find that the proposed development would result in significant harm to the integrity of the SPA.”
In coming to this view, the inspector noted how the council had suggested the impact could have been mitigated through a financial contribution by the applicant. However, the inspector also noted how this contribution had not been offered by the applicant during the appeal process, nor had any other potential mitigations.
In light of this the appeal was dismissed and planning permission refused.
