Page 298 - All files for Planning Inspectorate

The access to the site from Lewes Road also serves Wealden House Life Improvement
Centre and adjoining blocks of flats located to the north of the appeal site.

The appeal site comprises previously developed land (PDL) having regard to the
definition in Annex 2 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2019.

To the south and east of the site is an area of Ancient Woodland. The hardstanding
and car parking on the appeal site extends almost to the site boundary with the Ancient
Woodland.

To the east of the site is a further area of substantial tree screen which extends along
part of the eastern boundary. Also, along the eastern boundary is a dwelling known
as The Barn. The property is within the ownership of and located within the site of
the adjacent Brambletye School.

A full description of the site, its character, its existing visual impact on the
surrounding landscape and its relationship to neighbouring buildings will be set out in
the evidence.

In relation to policy matters, the site is located in an area defined as Countryside in the
Mid Sussex District Plan and is also located within the High Weald Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

3 RELEVANT PLANNING HISTORY

The planning history would appear to indicate that the existing building was originally
erected in the 1970s as the Grid Control Centre for Seeboard. In 1977 a two storey
building was approved as an apparatus control room and data link room. Numerous
applications for extensions, security accommodation, extensions to the car park and
telecommunication towers and equipment were approved over the next 35 years.

Latterly, the building functioned as the operational control room, data centre and
offices for EDF Energy.

The site is now vacant.

Although there was no formal application for residential development prior to the
submission of the appeal scheme, pre-application advice was sought from the Council
in 2016 for a scheme of 90 units on the site with a mixture of housing and apartments.
The Officer’s advice from the Council raised a number of issues and, having regard to
this advice, a formal application was submitted for a scheme of 74 units on the site to
address the concerns.

This application (DM/18/1548) was refused and is now the subject of an appeal –
APP/D3830/W/19/3236068.

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Bates No 000297