Page 43 - All files for Planning Inspectorate

5.0 DESIGN SOLUTION FOR PREVIOUS APPLICATION (DM/18/1548)

Pre-Application (DM/16/2845)

5.1 Prior to preparing the full planning application for 71 dwellings, we were in
receipt of a previous pre-application scheme for 90 dwellings prepared by
RDJW Limited and the Council’s written pre-application advice (Appendix D).
The first planning application scheme was prepared in response to this pre-
application advice.

5.2 The pre-application scheme was an eclectic mix of housing and apartments.
The Council’s feedback stated the layout was unsatisfactory and gave the
following guidelines;

▪ A minimum of 50 dwellings would be expected.
▪ 30% affordable housing requirement.
▪ High density development supported, i.e. 3+1 storeys.
▪ Recommend a contemporary design approach.
▪ Efforts should be made to prevent over-dominant car parking.
▪ Large gaps in the layout and therefore weak building lines.
▪ Resulting in poor enclosure.
▪ Lack of a central public open space/focus.
▪ Unsupportive of dwellings backing onto Ancient Woodland.
▪ Require 15 metre buffer to Ancient Woodland.
▪ Large footprints result in monolithic buildings.
▪ Require consideration of potential of adjacent allocated site (Life Centre).

Design Solution (DM/18/1548)

5.3 The site offers the potential to provide a high yield (71) of in-demand smaller
dwellings on a brownfield site. The high density urban character of the
existing built form combined with the well-screened nature of the site
presents the opportunity to maximise the development potential without
impacting upon the character of the locality, a true ‘Urbs in Rure’ solution,
encouraged by the Council’s own pre-application advice (Appendix E). Also, of
benefit was the removal of the large, bulky EDF building and its tall telecoms
mast and associated plant.

5.4 Due to this being such a distinct parcel of land, a contemporary approach is
adopted with a mix of 3 and 4 storey buildings. Proposed buildings are
arranged along a strong central axis forming building lines along routes and
with existing surrounding properties such as North Lodge, The Barn and
Wealden House Life Improvement Centre. There is a marked sense of
enclosure.

1809 Appeal Hearing Statement_FINAL_191212 Page 9 of 17
Bates No 000042