Page 288 - All files for Planning Inspectorate

Statement of Case
EDF Energy, Wealden House, Lewes Road, Ashurst Wood

6.0 THE APPELLANT’S CASE

Principle of Development

6.1 The Ashurst Wood Neighbourhood Plan was made in 2016 having found to be sound

after Examination. The Neighbourhood Plan allocates a number of housing sites,
which were selected following an assessment of potential housing sites, as being the

most appropriate sites based on suitability and availability. Policy ASW9 of the
Neighbourhood Plan allocates the appeal site for residential development subject to a

number of criteria that are set out in the policy. The table accompanying the policy
indicates the suitability of the site for a scheme of 50+ units. It is important to note

firstly that the Council’s reasons for refusal do not identify conflict with any specific

criterion of the policy. However, the Officer’s Report suggests that, whilst there are
larger flatted buildings immediately adjacent and the substanital Wealden House Life

Improvement Centre building, which clearly are part of the existing character, because
the appeal proposal is not of the same character as nearby two storey houses, there is

not full compliance with Criterion (a).

6.2 Similarly, the report suggests that there is not full compliance with Criterion (b)

despite the fact that the development is set back from the road, as the criterion
requires. It is noted in the report that the scheme is supported by the Council’s

Urban Design Officer and that, overall, the proposed development is reasonable in

terms of the design of the building. None of the other criteria in ASW9 are breached.

6.3 Yet, curiously, the second refusal reason alleges conflict with Policy ASW9 on the
grounds of insufficient car parking despite none of the criteria in the policy being

directed towards car parking provision.

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10 December, 2019 Page 18

Bates No 000287