Plans to build housing on farmland on the outskirts of Crowborough have been turned down at appeal.
In a decision notice published on Friday (November 15), a planning inspector has dismissed an appeal connected with proposals to build six houses on agricultural land near the Boars Head Roundabout.
The scheme had been refused by Wealden District Council in November last year, with planning officers raising concerns around its location, proximity to an area of ancient woodland and impact on character and appearance of the High Weald National Landscape.
The applicant challenged this decision, arguing that the district’s shortfall of housing when compared to its government-set targets meant the scheme should have been approved.
In documents submitted as part of the appeal, a spokesman for the applicant said: “Essentially, every policy that restricts development should be afforded less weight in the planning balance as the need for housing and the weight afforded to delivering it assumes greater prominence in the overall balancing exercise.”
The spokesman added: “There is and has not been for many years a five-year housing supply [in Wealden]. In the circumstances the tilted balance towards sustainable sites applies.
“Planning conditions can address all other matters which would be required within the technical details consent application. The appellant does not believe that any harm identified would outweigh the clear and compelling benefits of the scheme and we respectfully request that the appeal is allowed in accordance with the [National Planning Policy Framework].”
However, the planning inspector shared the council’s concerns, opting to dismiss the appeal.
In their decision notice, the inspector said: “Given the shortage of housing supply, there would be social and economic benefits associated with the provision of six dwellings. These benefits carry moderate weight in the planning balance.
“On the other hand, there would be significant environmental harm arising from the site’s location in the High Weald National Landscape and close to the ancient woodland of Luxford Shaw, an irreplaceable habitat. In addition, its location would leave future residents primarily reliant on private transport to access the services and facilities that they need.
“The moderate benefits of the proposal would not outweigh these significant collective harms.”
For further information search for application reference WD/2023/2599/PIP on the Wealden District Council website.
