Plans for up to 145 homes in Haywards heath expected to get go-ahead

An outline application to redevelop the corner of Perrymount Road and Clair Road with six and seven-storey blocks of flats, was approved by the planning committee in January.

But planning permission was not issued because a Section 106 legal agreement detailing the financial contributions to be made by the applicant, Fairfax Acquisitions Limited, was not completed.

On September 6, the committee will consider the application again, with one change included – a request to move the access point onto Clair Road six metres to the east of that shown in the original plan.

The recommendation is to approve the application, as long as the Section 106 agreement is completed, affordable housing levels are adhered to and other conditions are met.

The agreement would see Fairfax Acquisitions contribute funds to local projects such as the improvement of play equipment at the recreation ground, the installation of basketball hoops at Beech Hurst, and the improvement of community facilities at Clair Hall.

Several letters of objection to the application were received by the council, with concerns including the proposed height of the buildings, loss of yoga premises, and traffic and parking issues.

There were concerns as well from Sussex Police about parking and the potential for anti-social behaviour.

Refusing to support the application, a spokesman told planners: “I have concerns that the lack of parking at the development and the subsequent usage of available nearby parking by the development’s users will be detrimental to the surrounding area.

“Parking issues can be a very sensitive subject and can easily escalate into anti-social behaviour.”

The application will include 1,200 square metres of commercial floorspace and parking for 88 cars.

Recommending approval, the planning report stated: “The provision of up to 145 dwellings on this highly sustainable site will make an important contribution to the district’s housing supply. The built environment of this part of Haywards Heath will be improved.”

The planning committee will meet at 2pm in the Council Chamber, on Oaklands Road. Members of the public are welcome to attend.