Decision due on 26-home Barcombe development

Proposals for a housing development in Barcombe are set to go before Lewes planners next week. 
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On Wednesday (April 21), Lewes District Council’s planning committee are set to consider an outline application to build 26 homes on land off of Barcombe High Street.

However, the application, from developer Rydon Homes Limited, has proven to be controversial among a group of Barcombe residents, who argue the scheme will have an unacceptable impact on the local area.

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Some of the objections have also been tied to another application for housing within the village – proposals to build six houses on a plot off of a nearby road, known as Bridgelands.

Objectors say two proposals, in combination, will have a particular impact on flooding which would affect residents living in Bridgelands.

In a letter to the council, a planning agent acting on behalf of these residents said: “The combination of the Bridgelands application and the High Street application with its lack of a robust drainage explanation, exporting their surface water beyond their control on to land where there already is no acceptable drainage solution doubly increases the risk of flooding to the existing Bridgelands properties.”

Despite opposition, the scheme is considered acceptable by Lewes planning officers, who have recommended the application be approved subject to conditions. 

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These conditions would include the developer providing a detailed drainage scheme at the reserved matter stage.  

In a report to the committee, a council planning officer said: “The proposed development is considered to represent sustainable development. It would provide environmental gains by way of introducing new habitat as part of the site landscaping scheme and reducing pressure to develop surrounding greenfield sites.

“It would provide social gains by facilitating a net gain of 26 residential units (including 10 affordable housing units) that would be of good quality and in an accessible and sustainable location. It would provide economic benefits by generating additional custom for nearby shops and services.”

The officer added: “It is therefore recommended that the application is approved subject to relevant conditions and a section 106 agreement securing policy compliant affordable housing provision.”

For further details of the proposals see application reference LW/20/0245 on the Lewes District Council planning website.

Huw Oxburgh , Local Democracy Reporting Service

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