Land West of Ravenscroft, Storrington, West Sussex, RH20 4EH

Hybrid application consisting of full permission for the relocation and enhancement of the Ravenscroft Allotment site and outline planning permission for up to 78 homes with all matters reserved except access (excluding internal estates roads) from Ravenscroft, and new community parkland

Authority: South Downs
Appeal type: major · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Inquiry
Development: residential · Major dwellings
Inspector: Hayden M

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

Whether the application of policies in the Framework that protect areas or assets of particular importance provide a clear reason for refusing the development proposed, or whether any adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the Framework taken as a whole
The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the landscape to the south of Storrington and on the setting, landscape and scenic beauty of the South Downs National Park
The effect of the proposed development on the setting and significance of nearby heritage assets, including the Storrington Conservation Area, St Joseph's Abbey Grade II listed building, and St Mary's Church Grade II* listed building
The effect of the proposed development on the integrity of the Arun Valley Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Area and Ramsar sites, with particular reference to water abstraction, taking account of the proposed water neutrality measures
The benefits which the proposed development may bring, including housing provision and other economic, social and environmental contributions

What decided it

The substantial and significant public benefits of the scheme, particularly market and affordable housing delivery, were found to outweigh the less than substantial heritage harm and the scheme was otherwise found not to cause unacceptable landscape, ecological or other harm.

The substantial weight given to housing and affordable housing delivery, together with significant weight to economic, recreational, allotment and biodiversity benefits, outweighed the less than substantial harm to the settings of the Storrington Conservation Area and St Joseph's Abbey, such that permission was granted under both limbs of paragraph 11(d) of the Framework.

Framework references: 11, 55, 56, 57, 74, 81, 105, 111, 162, 167, 176, 179, 180, 181, 199, 200, 202

Plan policies cited: Policy 2(ii) SSWNP, Policy 1 SSWNP, Policy 16 HDPF, Policy 24 HDPF, Policy 25 HDPF, Policy 26 HDPF, Policy 30 HDPF, Policy 31 HDPF, Policy 32 HDPF, Policy 33 HDPF, Policy 34 HDPF, Policy 37 HDPF, Policy 38 HDPF, Policy 39 HDPF, Policy 40 HDPF, Policy 43 HDPF, Strategic Policy 2 HDPF, Strategic Policy 3 HDPF, Strategic Policy 4 HDPF, Policy SD4 SDLP, Policy SD5 SDLP, Policy SD6 SDLP, Policy SD7 SDLP, Policy SD8 SDLP, Policy SD9 SDLP, Policy SD10 SDLP, Policy SD11 SDLP, Policy SD12 SDLP, Policy SD15 SDLP, Policy SD17 SDLP, Policy SD19 SDLP, Policy SD25 SDLP, Policy SD43 SDLP, Policy SD49 SDLP, DM Policy 50 SDLP, Policy M9 WSJMLP

Judgments cited: R. (on the application of Wyatt) v Fareham BC [2022] EWCA Civ 983; WWF-UK Ltd and RSPB v SoS Scotland C.M.L.R. 1021 [1999] Env LR 632; Laura C and Others v London Borough of Camden and SoS for the Environment Transport and The Regions [2001] EWHC Admin 1116

Read the decision letter on the Inspectorate’s site

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.