Page 73 - All files for Planning Inspectorate

1809
Wealden House, EDF Site,
East Grinstead
Residential Development

1.7 The meeting moved onto the points raised by the DRP;

1.8 SK confirmed that it was agreed that a scheme of flats was appropriate.

1.9 SK noted concerns with the block running close to the eastern boundary.
Separation distance vary from 2-3.5m. Although not an overlooking issue, this
relationship should be improved.

1.10 DP noted that the DRP found the proposed building heights acceptable. SK had
no further comments in this regard.

1.11 The internal street was discussed. DP suggested that this could be eased to a
minimum 15 metres which should be an acceptable ‘front-to-front’ relationship
and address any perceived overlooking.

1.12 In addition, DP proposed to introduce roof terraces and balconies where
appropriate in the re-design of the proposed apartment blocks.

1.13 DP noted that the comments regarding elevations were highly subjective and
that the scheme was not dissimilar to the scheme at Beacon Heights, nominated
for a local design award. DP would review.

1.14 SK of the view to discourage access to ancient woodland’ i.e. its preservation.
Noted that there was already a public footpath through the wood. SK to clarify
with council ecologist to confirm views on 15m buffer zone guidance. FT noted
that the proposed is a major improvement over the existing situation and this is
supported by the latest NPPF guidance. Built form remains beyond the 15m
buffer although some permeable road/parking is proposed. A further reduction
in this might be part of a revised scheme.

1.15 Regarding sustainability, SK pointed to the District Plan Policy D39 (post-
meeting clarification). FT/DP suggested a written statement could be provided
explaining best practice and how sustainable design and construction is applied
to the scheme.

1.16 DP presented two sketch options which both demonstrated a reduction in unit
numbers. Option 1 – reduced to 64 units and Option 2 - reduced to 57 units.
The sketches seek to address the concerns of the DRP by easing relationships
between blocks and the boundaries, introducing balconies, reducing
parking/hardstanding (including in the woodland buffer), resulting in a lower
density scheme. Noted that both were subject to review by the applicant

1.17 SK thought that a withdrawal followed by a pre-application might be the
preferred approach. DP explained that contractually, this is not an option open
to the applicant. Also, DP/FT felt the issues raised could be addressed with the
framework of the current scheme and did not require a complete re-design. SK
advised that MSDC were open to the possibility of an extension of time/revision
of the application if it was believed that there was a prospect of a negotiated
outcome that officers could recommend. It was requested that SK consider an
extension of time instead to allow for such negotiation, on the basis of the

1809_4.1_180820 – Planning Office Meeting Notes Page 2 of 3
Bates No 000072