Controversial plans for a major housing development near Ringmer are set to go in front of councillors.

On Wednesday (August 5), Lewes District Council’s planning committee is due to consider an application seeking permission to build up to 180 homes on Turnpike Farm greenfield land to the east of Broyle Side.

The application, from land promoter Richborough, seeks outline planning permission with all details other than access (via a new junction on the B2192) to be determined at a later stage.

Planning officers are recommending the scheme be approved, noting how the council’s housing figures mean there is a tilted balance in favour of the development going ahead.

The plan of Turnpike Farm showing where the homes could be built. Image credit: Richborough

placeholder image — The plan of Turnpike Farm showing where the homes could be built. Image credit: Richborough

In a report to the committee a council planning spokesman said: “It is considered that the tilted balance is applicable given the council’s inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply and the absence of any harm on areas/assets of particular importance.”

The spokesman added: “Whilst the development would result harmful impacts, some of which would be significant, these would not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits offered and, therefore, in line with [the National Planning Policy Framework] it is considered that the application should be approved, subject to the obligations and conditions listed in … this report.”

The committee report says the council has received 268 letters of objection. Concerns included loss of agricultural land; the sustainability of the site; density of the development; the development’s visual impact; harm to nature; and infrastructure pressures from highways safety to school places.

Ringmer Parish Council is also opposing the plans. A parish council spokesman said: “The proposed development is unsustainable, outside the settlement edge, contrary to parish and district [planning] policies, harmful to the environment and residents’ well-being, and represents the largest single outline proposal in recent years without any community benefit.”

Some of the parish council’s objections are based around the design of the proposed building, specifically the type of affordable homes to be provided and the potential for some properties to be 2.5 storeys in height.

Council planning officers says these matters will not be decided at this outline stage of the planning process.

The application includes an illustrative ‘parameter’ plan. While not binding, officers say this document is intended to assist in decision making by showing how the number of homes applied for could be accommodated on the site.

The application also includes an indicative housing mix which shows how the development could potentially contain: 14 one-bedroom units; 58 two-bedroom units; 88 three-bedroom units; and 20 four-bedroom units. A legal agreement would be expected to secure 40 per cent of these — 72 units — as affordable homes.

The council has not considered any previous proposals for the site, although two housing developments on the opposite side of the road — totalling 123 homes — have been approved at appeal in recent years.

For further information on the proposals see application reference LW/25/0391 on the Lewes District Council website.