Proposals to build housing in Blackboys are due to go in front of Wealden planners next week.
On Thursday (May 23), Wealden District Council’s Planning Committee North is set to consider proposals to build eight four-bedroom houses to the south of Framfield Road — on land associated with a property known as Highlands.
Despite not being classed as a major development, the scheme has been called in automatically, as the land owner, Conservative group leader Ann Newton, is a member of the council. Cllr Newton is also the area’s ward councillor.
While outside of any development boundary, planning officers are recommending the scheme be approved, at least partly because of the council’s lack of a five-year supply of housing land.
In a report to the committee, a council planning spokesman said: “Whilst the development is in conflict with Saved Policies GD2 and DC17 (which restrict development in the countryside) these policies attract less weight due to the council’s lack of a five-year supply of housing.
“Furthermore, other material considerations weigh heavily in favour of the development, such as the provision of eight residential units to the undersupply in a relatively sustainable location and financially contributing to the need for affordable housing.
“The development would bring with it economic benefits throughout the build phase, as well as in terms of ongoing future spend in the local economy from residents and CIL payments. These are highly significant material considerations that carry substantial weight in the context of the National Planning Policy Framework.”
The scheme is also supported by Framfield Parish Council, which described the site as a “location suitable for infill”. Notably, the parish council’s planning committee reached a decision to support after declaring personal interests in the proposals. This is because Cllr Newton is employed as the parish council’s clerk.
It has proven to be less popular with neighbours, however. In all, the district council has received 50 letters of objection (as well as two in support), with objectors raising concerns about its potential impact on local infrastructure and the character of the area.
The report also notes how objectors have raised concerns “regarding nature of parish council’s response” and the “lack of a site notice”.
For further information see application reference WD/2024/0560/F on the Wealden District Council website.
