Page 289 - All files for Planning Inspectorate

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

6.4 I address the alleged conflict with Policy ASW14 later in this statement in connection

with refusal reason 2.

6.5 Policy DP6 of the Mid Sussex District Plan indicates that development will be

supported where a site is allocated in a Neighbourhood Plan. The policy also states

that the Council will need to be satisfied that the proposal does not represent an under
development of the site.

6.6 It seems to me, therefore, that whilst the Council has specific criticisms of the details

of the appeal proposal, it is acknowledged that the principle of residential
redevelopment of the site is acceptable. Moreover, I am of the view that, whilst the

Neighbourhood Plan does not enshrine the supply figure of 50+ units within the

policy, it is abundantly plain from the supporting text that this level of development
has derived from the Council’s own report on the assessment of potential housing sites

which form part of the evidence base of the Neighbourhood Plan. Moreover, it is
entirely in accordance with the guidance in the Framework regarding making effective

use of previously developed land.

6.7 Drawing all of these matters together, I conclude that there is no policy objection to

the principle of residential development on the site nor any policy objection to such
development comprising a scheme of 50+ units.

6.8 In this respect, the appeal proposals accord with up to date policies in the
Development Plan and, in accordance with paragraph 11 of the Framework, the

presumption in favour of sustainable development should apply.

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10 December, 2019 Page 19

Bates No 000288