Blackboys housing development plans approved

Last Thursday (December 10), Wealden District Council planners approved an outline application to build up to 50 houses on land south of Framfield Road.

While it had been recommended for approval by council officers, the scheme had seen significant opposition from local residents, who argued it would not be a sustainable location for housing.  

This view was echoed by Cllr Peter Roundell (Con), who argued the committee should refuse the scheme. He said: “This is a question of judgement and we don’t always agree with officers’ judgement on things and I am finding it extremely difficult to agree with their judgement on this particular one.

“The National Planning Policy Framework states ‘planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside’.

“I’m finding it quite difficult to believe that this development is going to meet the requirements of that particular paragraph.” 

Cllr Roundell also argued the applicant had not sufficiently addressed the site’s “sustainability”.

While these arguments saw some support – notably from Cllrs Helen Firth and Patricia Patterson-Vanegas – other committee members felt differently. 

Cllr Neil Waller (Con, Crowborough South West) said: “I’m going to both agree then disagree with Cllr Roundell. 

“I agree with Cllr Roundell in that we have to make a judgement. We have the rules as the skeleton but the meat of our decisions are based on judgement. 

“In Cllr Roundell’s judgement this is an unsustainable site. I take an alternative view that this is a sustainable site. 

“This area has been deemed suitable for development by two inspectors [at appeal] and the highways concerns have been mitigated.

“For those reasons I’m going to propose approval in line with officers’ recommendations.” 

Following further discussion the application was approved with eight votes in favour and three against. 

For more details of the application see reference WD/2020/0700/MAO on the Wealden District Council planning website.