Page 301 - All files for Planning Inspectorate update

Urban Design Observations

Revised Drawings

To: Steven King, Development Management

From: Will Dorman, Urban Designer, Mid Sussex DC

Application ref: DM/19/1025 Date: 13/8/19

Address: Wealden House, Lewes Road, Ashurst Wood

Description: Proposed new build residential development consisting of 54 units
following the demolition of all existing site buildings.

Drawings: Amended plans and revised supporting information received 31 July.

Summary and Overall Assessment

This application positively responds to the refused scheme for 71 dwellings
(DM/18/1548) by decreasing the unit numbers to 54 enabling a reduction in the
overall building footprint and the provision of additional space between the buildings,
including greater separation around the woodland edges, more defensible space and
a small open space that provides the layout with a central focus. Together these
spaces enable an acceptable level of landscaping to soften the development.

The scheme still represents a high density for its edge-of-settlement location, but this
is justified by the 50+ dwelling allocation in the Ashurst Wood Neighbourhood Plan
and policy ASW5 which generate a flat-based scheme. With respect to policy ASW9
(that applies specifically to this site), the intensive use of the site does not reflect the
predominant lower density character of the area but on the other hand is not
dissimilar to the typology of the existing blocks of flats on the adjacent site. The
proposed 3 and 4 storey buildings are also a similar height to the building they will
replace and are well set-back from the site boundary and retain/safeguard the trees /
woodland around its eastern and south western boundaries that ensures the
development will be mostly screened and will therefore have limited visual impact. In
addition, the revised drawings have involved re-modelling the frontages and setting
back the top floors of the blocks nearest to the site entrance.

The contemporary architecture is a contrast to much of the surrounding buildings but
is considered acceptable as the facades are well organised and there is little inter-
visibility with the surrounds.

On balance including consideration of policy DP26, I do not object to the application
but would recommend the following conditions requiring approval of additional
information to secure the quality of the design:

 1:20 scale elevation (vignette) and section drawings of the front elevation of the
block with units 13-20.
 Detailed landscape plan including boundary treatments.
 Facing materials including windows
 Design and layout of solar panels and lift-housing on the roof