Kingston new build given thumbs up

On Wednesday (July 1), Lewes District Council’s planning committee discussed plans to demolish a home, known as Astley, in Ashcombe Lane and replace it with a four-bedroom new build with a “high standard of architectural and energy-efficient design.” 

While recommended for approval by planning officers, the proposals had seen some concerns raised by Kingston Parish Council, which argued the scheme will have “an adverse visual impact” in “a very prominent position”.

Before making its decision, the committee heard a written representation read on behalf of parish councillor Fiona Harrison. In it, she said: “The parish council is not opposed to the development, but since the proposed building occupies a very prominent position that is clearly visible from the road when entering the village we do have some reservations.

“We consider that the proposal will have an adverse visual impact on the character of the village. This is due in main to the proposed materials for the facade of the building.  

“In particular it is felt that the wholesale use of light-coloured brickwork will have a detrimental impact on the character of the local area. 

“[It] is neither in keeping nor complementary to both its location within a Sussex Village nor its immediately surrounding buildings.”

Cllr Harrison went on the request the applicant use traditional tiles instead of the materials proposed.

Initially the applicant had proposed cladding the outside of the building in timber but altered this to a light brickwork in light of concerns from the parish council raised at an earlier stage. The parish council did not believe this alteration would address its concerns.

The parish council’s views were not shared by the committee, however, which unanimously approved the scheme following a short discussion.

Steve Saunders (Ind, Newhaven North) said: “I do note the comments from the parish council, but I do suggest that there are some similar properties nearby.

“There is one just north on the opposite side of the road, before you go up the hill and out of the village and there is also the one at Swanborough on the C7.”

The site, as with all of Kingston, sits within the South Downs National Park.

For further information on the proposals see application reference SDNP/19/05763/HOUS on the South Downs National Park Authority planning website.

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