Plans for three homes on a plot where a single bungalow now stands have been turned down at appeal.
Planning inspector Stewart Glassar dismissed Gavin and James Pierce’s appeal against Rother District Council’s refusal of their plans for the new development in Ewhurst Lane, Northiam.
The council turned their application down in January last year because of the “excessive number of buildings” would harm the character and appearance of the High Weald National Landscape (HWNL).
The council’s report also noted an earlier scheme for four homes had been refused on similar grounds in 2020 and had also been turned down at appeal.
The Pierces disputed the council’s view, arguing that the shortage of housing within the district meant the scheme should have benefited from the “presumption in favour of sustainable development” set out in national planning policy.
However, the planning inspector shared the council’s concerns around the scheme’s potential to harm the HWNL and opted to dismiss the appeal.
In his decision notice, Mr Glassar said: “Whilst there are clearly benefits of the scheme which would accord with the [National Planning Policy] Framework’s policies, the harm I have found to the HWNL carries substantial weight and provides a clear reason for refusing the development such that the presumption in favour of sustainable development does not apply.
“Consequently, the council’s housing shortfall does not provide a reason for allowing the appeal.”
For further information on the proposals see application reference RR/2023/2358/P on the Rother District Council planning portal.
