Page 291 - All files for Planning Inspectorate

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

6.13 In order to assist the Inspector in this appeal in reaching a conclusion on the viability

issue, the appellants have commissioned a further Viability Assessment from Dr

Andrew Golland, a leading expert in viability and the founder developer of the Greater
London Authority Toolkit and the author of the ‘Three Dragons’ model. Dr.

Golland’s appraisal and evidence is set out in a separate appeal statement as part of

this submission.

6.14 The conclusions of Dr. Golland’s work concur with the initial Viability Assessment by
Affordable Housing Consultancy Ltd, namely that the scheme is not viable with the

provision of affordable housing.

6.15 Dr. Golland’s evidence speaks for itself but, in my view, it is important to note his

comments regarding the industry norm of 20% profit margin in the current market
cycle and his conclusions regarding the benchmark land value (existing use value plus

land owner premium as advised in the NPPG) which actually indicate the scheme to
be more non-viable than the earlier assessment.

6.16 On the basis of the evidence, therefore, I am led to the conclusion that the appeal

proposal, in providing significant clear evidence which demonstrates that the site

cannot support the required level of affordable housing, complies with Policy DP31 of
the District Plan and Policy ASW15 of the Neighbourhood Plan.

Second Issue - Whether the Level of Car Parking is Sufficient

6.17 West Sussex County Council, as Highway Authority, raised no objection to the
application and stated that it was satisfied that the car parking provision is anticipated

to satisfy the likely demands.

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10 December, 2019 Page 21

Bates No 000290