Page 41 - All files for Planning Inspectorate

4.0 SITE DESCRIPTION

4.1 The appeal site is in Ashurst Wood, to the south east of East Grinstead within
the confines of Mid Sussex District Council. The site is adjacent the A22 Lewes
Road, which forms a north-south strategic corridor between London and
Eastbourne with connections north to M25, south to A27 and west to M23.

4.2 The surrounding area is predominantly characterised by large detached and
semi-detached dwellings in a ribbon layout along Lewes Road, as described in
the Ashurst Wood Character Assessment (2015). The assessment identifies the
Wealden House site to be an exception to the surrounding character
including a very large utilitarian office building previously operated by EDF
Energy, a large Victorian Manor House extended throughout the years,
currently the Wealden House Life Improvement Centre and an adjacent
residential development dating from 2002, following the demolition of
adjoining annexes, which consists of two large apartment buildings, Carlton
House and Ashbourne House.

4.3 The character assessment notes that the existing buildings are set back from
the main road and screened by mature high hedges and trees. In addition,
there is woodland to the east and south of the Wealden House site which
adds to the distinct, well-screened character of the site.

4.4 All of these buildings on the ‘Wealden House site’ share the same access off
the Lewes Road and enjoy good visibility along this straight section of road.
Footpaths also run along the Lewes Road to serve the development and
provide pedestrian access to nearby public transport and local shops and
services.

4.5 The appeal site itself comprises a large parcel of land measuring
approximately 1.473 hectares (Appendix A). It is occupied by a large office
building previously occupied by EDF Energy. The building comprises two
principal floors plus a mezzanine level providing approximately 32,906 sq. ft.
(3,057 sq. m.) of gross internal floor space. The form and character of the
building is utilitarian reinforced by the exposed concrete frame and dark brick
infill panels. The building has an extensive flat roof with exposed steel tubular
safety rails. A series of external steel escape stairs are also very prominent.

4.6 A large telecoms mast sits adjacent the office building, is some 35 metres in
height and therefore partially visible from the surrounding areas. An existing
portacabin is located alongside with associated exposed and unsightly plant
equipment.

1809 Appeal Hearing Statement_FINAL_191212 Page 7 of 17
Bates No 000040