Inspector overturns council’s rejection of 46 Billingshurst homes

More homes are set for Billingshurst as the planning inspector overturned the council’s decision to reject 46 homes this week.
JPCT 210513 S13210076x Protest group of residents against housing in Billingshurst -photo by Steve Cobb ENGSUS00120130521164745JPCT 210513 S13210076x Protest group of residents against housing in Billingshurst -photo by Steve Cobb ENGSUS00120130521164745
JPCT 210513 S13210076x Protest group of residents against housing in Billingshurst -photo by Steve Cobb ENGSUS00120130521164745

Horsham District Council originally turned down the application by Rydon Homes on land off Maringdean Road in May 2013 on the grounds that it was in a countryside location, harmed the character of the area, and impacted on nearby ancient woodland.

The decision follows three major applications for housing in and around Billingshurst either allowed on appeal or allowed because of the threat of appeal.

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In his report the inspector said: “There would be no harm to the character and appearance of the area and even were harm to arise to ancient woodland the harm would be so small as to be readily outweighed by the need for housing.”

HDC approved 475 homes east of the village last year as it faced losing an appeal for 550 units on the same site.

Meanwhile another appeal made by developer Bellway Homes saw the rejection of 46 homes off Daux Avenue overturned.

Developer A2Dominion submitted an application late to HDC late last year for 50 homes immediately south of the 150 homes currently being built south of the Gillmans Industrial Estate.

The original 150 homes were approved by the planning inspector on appeal in 2011.

What do you think about the inspector’s decision? Comment below or email the newsdesk.