®Planning appeal decision
Lower Stumble Exploration Site, London Road, Balcombe , Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 6JH
exploration and appraisal comprising the removal of drilling fluids and subsequent engineering works with an extended well test for hydrocarbons along with site security fencing and site restoration
- Authority
- West Sussex County Council
- Appeal type
- major · Planning Appeal
- Procedure
- Written Representations
- Development
- minerals-waste · Other Major Developments
- Inspector
- Sims B
Main issues, as the Inspector framed them
- Whether the proposed development is justified by exceptional circumstances or the public interest, taking into account its effects on the landscape of the AONB, and on amenity and other environmental interests; the level of need for the development; the availability and cost of alternatives to the proposal outside the AONB; and any economic benefit to the community
What decided it
The national need for continued hydrocarbon exploration and assessment to support energy supply security pending transition to net-zero carbon energy provision constitutes exceptional justification for permitting major development within the High Weald AONB, outweighing the moderate adverse landscape impact.
Framework references: 176, 177, 209, 211
Plan policies cited: Policy M7a, Policy M13, Policy DP12, Policy DP16
The main issues and the deciding factor are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.