Resident says ‘leave us alone’ as Small Dole plan is refused

Villagers have breathed a sigh of relief as a plan for 60 homes was refused by the district council.
Nigel Stevens (parish councillor) and residents around the land south of New Hall Lane and west of Henfield Road in Small Dole are delighted that a proposal for 60 new homes has bnen refused. SR1511335. Pic Steve Robards SUS-150526-153124001Nigel Stevens (parish councillor) and residents around the land south of New Hall Lane and west of Henfield Road in Small Dole are delighted that a proposal for 60 new homes has bnen refused. SR1511335. Pic Steve Robards SUS-150526-153124001
Nigel Stevens (parish councillor) and residents around the land south of New Hall Lane and west of Henfield Road in Small Dole are delighted that a proposal for 60 new homes has bnen refused. SR1511335. Pic Steve Robards SUS-150526-153124001

At the development control committee on Thursday (May 21), resident Mr Warren said that Small Dole has already paid its debt to society after years of battling waste facilities.

He said: “The waste tips the community had to suffer for the last 40 years has finally stopped.

“Please leave us alone to enjoy our rural surroundings.”

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The Wates Development plan has been proposed for land west of Shoreham Road and will include open space, parking and landscaping.

The planning officer recommended that the plan be refused.

Another resident Mr Kelland said the people of Small Dole do not want this development.

He said: “We have well over 100 objectors who have written letters objecting to this application.

“The people who live here have chosen this place for its rural character and they see this urbanising development as a major threat to their style of life.

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“These are shared by the district landscape consultant and the South Downs National Park representative who see adverse landscape impacts on the surrounding countryside.”

Henfield parish councillor, Nigel Stevens said the parish has raised ‘strong objections’ to the application.

He said: “It is contrary to the emerging Henfield neighbourhood plan; a plan has been through the public consultation process and is due to go to examination next week and therefore carries considerable weight.”

Mr Stevens also argued that the plan does not support sustainable transport and will exacerbate traffic congestion and highway safety within Small Dole.

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Mr Brocklebank of Wates Development said the district does not have a five year land supply and the site of 60 home could meet the district’s needs.

He said: “The proposed development will also make key contributions to local infrastructure and amenities - schools, highways, community, leisure, library, youth facilities.”

The developer has offered Section 106 monies amounting to £500,000 plus the new homes bonus.

David Coldwell (Con: Bramber, Upper Beeding and Woodmancote), said: “It’s on a very busy main road which suffers some severe speed problems.

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“The developers are suggesting Section 106 payment of £500,000, all well and good but that goes in the direction of Henfield Parish Council, but this land really is in Small Dole with Upper Beeding just across the road. It’s hard to see where it fits in.

“I support this recommendation to refuse the application wholeheartedly. It is unsuitable for Small Dole.”

Mike Morgan (Ind: Henfield), said: “It’s a totally unsuitable site and cannot see any justification for this, it goes against so many qualities and the Henfield neighbourhood plan full considered this site, so I fully go along with the recommendation for refusal.”

Chairman of the committee Brian O’Connell went to a vote and councillors voted to pass the officer’s recommendation and refuse planning permission.

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