Page 408 - All files for Planning Inspectorate update

 protects valued townscapes and the separate identity and character of towns and
villages;

 does not cause significant harm to the amenities of existing nearby residents and
future
occupants of new dwellings, including taking account of the impact on privacy,
outlook, daylight and sunlight, and noise, air and light pollution (see Policy DP29);

 creates a pedestrian-friendly layout that is safe, well connected, legible and
accessible;

 incorporates well integrated parking that does not dominate the street
environment, particularly where high density housing is proposed;

 positively addresses sustainability considerations in the layout and the building
design;

 take the opportunity to encourage community interaction by creating layouts with
a strong neighbourhood focus/centre; larger (300+ unit) schemes will also
normally be expected to incorporate a mixed use element;

 optimises the potential of the site to accommodate development.'

Taking the criteria of policy ASW9 in turn, it is clear that the proposed scheme is not
of the same character of the surrounding houses, which are two storeys. However
there are larger flatted buildings to the northwest at Ashbourne House and Carlton
House and the adjoining building at Wealden House is also larger than traditional
two storey dwellings. It is also the case the proposed new buildings are of a similar
scale to the buildings that are being replaced. Overall then there is not full
compliance with part a) of policy ASW9.

With regards to part b) of policy ASW9, the development is set back from the road.
The flatted layout is different to the traditional two storey housing around the site but
it must be acknowledged that there is a development of flats to the southwest of the
site at present. Therefore there is not full compliance with criteria b).

The proposal utilises the existing access from the Lewes Road. There are no
objections from the Highway Authority to the proposed access arrangements. As
such criteria c) of policy ASW9 is met.

The plans show some new planting on the western boundary and also some
additional planting within the buffer on the southern boundary. As such there would
not be a conflict with criteria d) of policy ASW9.

The plans show a 15m buffer to the ancient woodland to the south of the site. Whilst
there is development adjacent to this buffer, account needs to be taken of the current
situation where the car park that serves the current building on the site goes right up
to the woodland. Therefore there would be a benefit compared to the current position
as there would be a buffer between development and the woodland whereas there is