Page 427 - All files for Planning Inspectorate update

Natural England has been consulted on the appropriate assessment of this proposed
development and their comments are awaited.

Atmospheric pollution

Increased traffic emissions as a consequence of new development may result in
atmospheric pollution on Ashdown Forest. The main pollutant effects of interest are
acid deposition and eutrophication by nitrogen deposition. High levels of nitrogen
may detrimentally affect the composition of an ecosystem and lead to loss of
species.

The proposed development has been assessed through the Mid Sussex Transport
Study (Updated Transport Analysis) as development allocated through the Ashurst
Wood neighbourhood Plan, such that its potential effects are incorporated into the
overall results of the transport model which indicates there would not be an overall
impact on Ashdown Forest. Sufficient windfall capacity exists within the development
area. This means that there is not considered to be a significant in combination effect
on the Ashdown Forest SAC by this development proposal.

Conclusion of the Habitats Regulations Assessment

The provision of mitigation in the form of both SANG and SAMM is essential to the
proposals within the planning application to ensure the Ashdown Forest SPA is
protected from any potential recreational disturbance impact arising from this
proposed new development. The development proposed does not provide mitigation
to avoid any potential impact on the Ashdown Forest SPA.

The development therefore conflicts with policy DP17 of the DP.

CONCLUSION

Planning legislation requires the application to be determined in accordance with the
Development Plan unless material circumstances indicate otherwise. In this part of
Mid Sussex the development plan comprises the DP and the AWNP. The NPPF is
an important material planning consideration.

As the site is allocated for redevelopment in the AWNP, the principle of the
development is acceptable. The application is seeking to overcome the reasons why
the previous scheme for 71 units on the site was refused.

It is considered that given the existing building that occupies the site, the proposal
would conserve the natural beauty of this part of the High Weald AONB. Also
weighing in favour of the scheme is the fact that the proposal would bring about a
redevelopment of a previously developed site. There would also be economic
benefits from the scheme associated with both the construction phase and also the
additional spend in the economy from new residents. The provision of 54 dwellings
would make a positive contribution to the Councils housing land supply and this
weighs in favour of the application