Page 414 - All files for Planning Inspectorate update

character assessments for the site and surrounding area. The key characteristics
which are relevant to the site and surroundings are highlighted. The LVIA provides
an accurate assessment of the potential impacts that the development would have
on the local landscape and views.

The County Landscape Architect has assessed the application and has not raised an
objection to the scheme. She states 'The demolition of the existing building and
associated infrastructure would provide an opportunity to enhance this area of the
High Weald AONB landscape in the village context of Ashurst Wood. The proposed
landscape strategy and masterplan would provide a high quality landscape setting
for the development.'

Given the existing development on the site, it is considered that in terms of its impact
on the High Weald AONB, the scheme would conserve the natural beauty of this part
of the AONB. It is important to note that this is a different issue compared to an
assessment of the design merits of the proposal.

Impact on Heritage Assets

S 66 of the Planning Listed Building and Conservation Areas Act 1990 states 'In
considering whether to grant planning permission for development which affects a
listed building or its setting, the local planning authority or, as the case may be, the
Secretary of State shall have special regard to the desirability of preserving the
building or its setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest which
it possesses.'

Policy DP34 in the DP relates to listed buildings and other heritage assets.
Archaeological assets fall within the definition of heritage assets in this policy. The
policy seeks to conserve heritage assets in a manner appropriate to their
significance. In their consultation response on the previous application (DM/18/1548)
the Councils archaeological consultant suggested that an archaeological Desk
Based Assessment which considers all available resources, including plans and
details of envisaged below ground works, is undertaken at the predetermination
stage and submitted as part of the planning application. Whilst these comments are
noted, given the fact that the site is previously developed with a large building and
substantial areas of hard standing, it is considered that in this case it would be
appropriate for there to be a planning condition requiring an archaeological
assessment to be done prior to works commencing in the event that planning
permission is granted for this proposal.

Camden Cottage is a grade 2 listed building that is some 120m to the east of the
site, on the northern side of the Lewes Road. It is considered that the visual impact
of the proposal from Lewes Road will be minimal, and as such it is not considered to
have an impact on the existing edge-of-town character of the setting of Camden
Cottage. The proposal would preserve the setting of this listed building and therefore
complies with policy DP34 in the DP.

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