Planning inspector approves plan to build terrace of nine houses in East Sussex

In a decision published on Friday (September 22), a planning inspector has approved proposals to build a terrace of nine houses on land adjacent to a property known as 5 Belle Vue Cottages in Hailsham Road.

The scheme had initially been submitted to Wealden District Council, with its planning committee south refusing planning permission due to councillors’ concerns about the density of houses and their impact on the character of the area.

This decision was reached despite a recommendation for approval from planning officers. At the time, officers said the recommendation to approve was largely because of the district’s lack of a five-year housing land supply creating a presumption in favour of development.

Ultimately, the inspector shared the view of planning officers, concluding that the benefits of the scheme — including the provision of new housing — would outweigh its drawbacks.

In their decision notice, the inspector said: “The development does not accord with the development plan taken as a whole. However, there are other material considerations, including provisions of the Framework, which override this finding.

“Consequently, for the reasons given above, subject to conditions, the development is acceptable and therefore the appeal succeeds.”

For further information on the proposals see application reference WD/2021/0512/F on the Wealden District Council website.