Agenda and minutes

To approve as correct the minutes of the meeting held on 2 August 2022.

(Note: If any Member wishes to propose an amendment to the minutes they should submit this in writing to committeeservices@horsham.gov.uk at least 24 hours before the meeting.  Where applicable, the audio recording of the meeting will be checked to ensure the accuracy of the proposed amendment.)

The minutes of the meeting held on 2 August were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members of the Committee

DC/21/0845 Councillors Claire Vickers and Ian Stannard declared a personal interest as the applicant was Southwater Parish Council and they were Southwater Parish Councillors.

Both Councillors were not members of Southwater Parish Council Planning Committee and therefore represented this item as District Councillors and were able to vote.

To receive any announcements from the Chairman of the Committee or the Chief Executive

There were no announcements.

The list of appeals lodged, appeals in progress and appeal decisions, as circulated were noted.

Ward: Southwater South and Shipley           

Applicant: Southwater Parish Council

The Head of Development & Building Control reported that this application sought the installation of replacement ‘skate park facility’ after the previous permitted facility burnt down in 2020.

It was noted that since the publication of the report the Standard Plans Condition would be added which states details of the approved plans should permission be granted.

The proposed facility was located in the same cleared and hard surfaced location known as Ben’s Field with a similar construction replacing the previous timber frame with steel.

The site is located outside of the Built Up Area, on the edge of Southwater Country Park accessed from Stakers Lane.

This application was withdrawn from Committee in December 2021 for the applicant to consider the proposed Noise Attenuation condition further. Ongoing discussions and further details of proposed materials and noise impacts had been provided in consultation with Horsham District Council’s Environmental Health team.

Following further ‘Technical Note’ noise assessment information received in August 2022, HDC Environmental Health concluded that they had no objection to the scheme.

Members noted the planning history of the application.

The applicant spoke in support of the application and one letter of objection was received.

Members considered the consultees’ responses and officer’s planning assessment which included the following key issues: principal of development, design and appearance, amenity impacts on neighbours and water neutrality.

Members were extremely supportive of the new improved skate park to be rebuilt.

It was discussed that Sussex Police had been consulted over CCTV and lighting and had raised no objections. Consideration was also given to enhance signage from the Downs Link so the facility could be well advertised and open to all users.

            RESOLVED

That application DC/21/0845 be approved subject to conditions stated in the report subject to the following:

·         Standard Plans Condition to be added

·         Informative to be added as follows:

The applicant is asked to explore the possibility of signage for the skate park from the nearby Downs Link.

Ward: Holbrook East

Applicant: Mr & Mrs Cook

The Head of Development & Building Control reported that this application sought permission for the erection of a two-storey and single storey rear extension. An existing single storey rear conservatory would be removed.

The application had been amended with the first floor element reduced in depth after concerns regarding impact on neighbouring amenity.

The application site comprised a two-storey detached house occupying a moderately sized plot within the built-up area boundary of Horsham. The dwelling was part of a row of houses linked by garages and the surrounding area consists of a mixture of property of varying designs and extensions present to the rear elevations.

The Neighbourhood Council objected to the proposal. Nine letters of objection were received from 3 separate households during three consultation periods.

Three speakers objected to the proposal and the applicant spoke in support.

Members felt the proposed extension was of an acceptable size and would not cause significant impact to neighbouring properties. They also agreed if the applicant had not worked for Horsham District Council it would have been an officer delegated decision with a view to approval and not required for committee consideration.

Members considered the consultees’ responses and the planning officer’s assessment which included the following key issues: design and appearance, impact on neighbouring amenity and water neutrality.

            RESOLVED

That planning application DC/22/0469 be approved subject to the conditions set out in the report.