Planning inspector dismisses plans for two Newhaven homes

In a decision notice published on Friday (October 25), a planning inspector has dismissed an appeal connected to proposals to build two homes on land to the south of Crest Road.

The original application, which only sought outline planning permission, was refused by Lewes District Council in January, mainly because of concerns about the scheme’s impact on the character and appearance of the area.

In a report at the time, a council planning spokesman said: “The proposed scheme by reason of its location outside of the settlement boundary, would unacceptably impact on the rural character of the open countryside and South Downs National Park, which is characterised by a loose grain of development and open landscape comprising traditional fields, hedgerows, tree boundaries and small woods.

“The proposed scheme would cause a loss of these intrinsic qualities of this village and rural area, contrary to [local planning policies].”

The applicant disputed this view, arguing the district’s shortage of housing should have weighed more heavily in favour of the scheme. The applicant also argued the development would be “in the context of the surrounding area” and “improve a disused site.”

Ultimately, however, the planning inspector shared the council’s concerns, opting to dismiss the appeal.

In their decision notice, the planning inspector said: “The harm to the character and appearance of the area would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the proposal when assessed against the policies in the [National Planning Policy] Framework taken as a whole.

“As a result, the presumption in favour of sustainable development does not apply.”

For further information on the proposals see application reference LW/23/0702 on the Lewes District Council website.