Agenda item

The Head of Development reported that this application sought permission for up to six commercial buildings in the northern part of an open and unused field that was part of the Brinsbury campus of Chichester College. All matters other than access via a new entrance junction from the A29 were reserved for future determination.   Development of the southern part of this field, under concurrent application DC/16/2963, was also being considered by this Committee. 

The application site was located outside the built-up area on the east side of Stane Street (A29) between Brinsbury College and Adversane.  The railway line ran to the east and there were scattered trees and bushes along its western boundary with the A29 and trees and bushes along the northern boundary.  There was a caravan park west of the A29 and Adversane Conservation Area was approximately 150 metres to the north.

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. 

The Parish Council objected to the application. The neighbouring parishes of Billingshurst and Pulborough also objected to it.  Nine letters of objection and one letter of support had been received.  Two members of the public spoke in objection to the application, and two associates of Brinsbury College spoke in its support.  The applicant’s agent also spoke in support of the proposal.  A representative of the Parish Council spoke in objection to it.  

Members considered the officer’s planning assessment which indicated that the key issues for consideration in determining the proposal were: the principle of development; educational and training links; design and landscape impact; its impact on heritage assets; landscape character; the amenity of neighbouring occupiers; and highways issues including access and parking.

Members discussed the significant economic and educational benefits of the proposal and weighed these against any adverse impact on the landscape character and concerns regarding the impact on the community of Adversane.  Whilst occupiers of the proposed units had not been confirmed, the Committee noted the shortfall of employment areas in the district.  It was also noted that end users would be required, through a legal agreement, to maintain links that supported the college and its students. 

Members considered the principle of the proposal, having regard to the ‘Brinsbuy Centre of Rural Excellence Supplementary Planning Document’, and after careful consideration, considered on balance that the employment benefits and contribution to the viability of Brinsbury Campus outweighed the harm.

RESOLVED

(i)      That a legal agreement be entered into, within three months of the decision of this committee, to secure appropriate education and training links with the College.

(ii)     In the event that the legal agreement is not completed within three months of the decision of this committee, the Director of Planning, Economic Development and Property be authorised to refuse permission on the grounds of failure to secure the Obligations necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms.

(iii)     That on completion of (i) above, planning application DC/16/2963 be determined by the Head of Development.  The view of the Committee was that the application should be granted.