Page 25 - All files for Planning Inspectorate update

Analysis of documents released under the FOI
Relating to MSDC Application DM/16/2845
Advice Given

The buildings back on to much of the boundary −
woodland divorcing much of the public realm from this
attractive feature. I also suspect the adjacent ancient
woodland will need a buffer zone, that is not provided.
Much of the gardens seem to be potentially
overshadowed by the trees which may put them under
pressure of removal or reduction. No tree survey has
been supplied to demonstrate the quality of the trees
and the relationship of the RPA's to the buildings.

The large footprint of the blocks of flats D,E,F combined
with the 4 storey height suggests potentially monolithic
looking buildings.”

I would not wish to disagree with anything that Mr
Dorman has said. I think the initial plan that has been
provided is simply trying to get too much onto the site. I
would be of the view that this departs too significantly
from policy 9 in the Neighbourhood Plan to be considered
to be in accordance with it.

As was suggested at our meeting, we would like the
development to open up the attractive tree lined south
and east boundaries with buildings frontages facing
towards them. Given the substantial housing allocation
for this site in the Ashurst NP, a high density scheme is
anticipated. I have no problem with a 3+1 storey
development and would recommend a contemporary
design approach given that this site is screened from the
surrounds by trees and existing development which
allows scope to do something different from the
surrounds.

A key consideration is the car parking. With a higher
density proposal scheme, it will be difficult to
accommodate the parking requirement on site, without
an underground parking, as put forward as a possibility
by the developer at our meeting, or a substantial podium
level car park, but the latter would need to be hidden
behind active ground floor frontages.

We also need to understand the position with the The site was not allocated. Only 0.08 hectares of the
potential development site to the north (also allocated in WH:LIC Northern car park was assessed and dismissed
the NP) as it would be best if this could be dovetailed as as unsuitable.
one scheme or at least this scheme must be planned so
that it does not prejudice the adjacent site.

As I mentioned at the meeting, the planning policy
situation at Mid Sussex is a fluid one at present with the

E:\Cobasco\Personal, House and computer instructions\EDF and WH Development\MJC Plans theories and Objectives\Submission
MJC to MSDC\FOI documents release.docx