Agenda item

The Head of Development reported that this application sought permission for the erection of two new industrial buildings and an ancillary storage building to the north of an existing industrial building, with associated landscaping and ancillary works.  Parking spaces for 110 cars, four HGVs, 31 cycles and 12 motorbikes were proposed.  The construction of the three buildings would be phased to meet the future growth requirements of the applicant. 

The application site was located outside the built-up area on the north east side of Water Lane, opposite Water Lane Industrial Estate and north of Tesla’s existing Unit.  The site was largely undeveloped arable land, with some rough scrubland.  Open countryside lay to the north and east of the site. There were residential developments 250 metres south-west and 100 metres south-east of the site, and to the south of the industrial estate.

Details of relevant government and council policies and relevant planning history, as contained within the report, were noted by the Committee. 

The responses from statutory internal and external consultees, as contained within the report, were considered by the Committee.  Members were advised that Natural England had raised no objection to the application because the development would not have an adverse impact on the Sullington Site of Special Scientific Interest. West Sussex County Council Highway Authority had confirmed that the Transport Access Demand (TAD) contribution had been amended following confirmation of fewer estimated additional employees. The Highway Authority had also advised that this contribution could be extended to provide pedestrian improvements near the site along Water Lane.  

The Parish Council raised no objection to the application.  Thakeham Village Action Group objected to the use of a Greenfield site and four other letters of objection had been received.  Five letters of comment had also been received, including one received after publication of the report that commented on the need for improved pedestrian and cycle links at the end of Water Lane linking the nearby footpaths.  The applicant addressed the Committee in support of the proposal.  

Members considered the officer’s planning assessment which indicated that the key issues for consideration in determining the proposal were:  the principle of development and its need in this location; alternative options and sites; impact of the development on the landscape; environmental issues; air quality; highways; and the impact on nearby residential properties.

With regards to air quality, it was confirmed that a pollution damage cost would be secured to carry out mitigation measures. Members discussed pedestrian access along Water Lane further south, between Thakeham Road and Washington Road where there was no pavement, and were advised that this could not be addressed as part of the current application.    

Members noted the benefits that the applicant brought to the local economy and supported the additional employment the development would bring to the area. The Local Member asked whether this site could be included in the Council’s designated Employment Zone.

Concerns regarding flood risk were raised by the Local Member and it was agreed that Local Members would be consulted regarding the surface water drainage scheme required by Condition 7 during the determination of the application. 

RESOLVED

(i)      That a legal agreement be entered into to secure: (a) pollution damage cost, (b) Total Access Demand contributions; and
(c) an HGV routeing plan.

 (ii)    That on completion of (i) above, planning application DC/17/1367 be determined by the Head of Development, in consultation with the Local Members.  The view of the Committee was that the application should be granted.