The Old Mechanics, Church Lane, Coldwaltham, PULBOROUGH, RH20 1LW

conversion of light industrial building to holiday let

Authority: South Downs
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: leisure-sport · Change of use
Inspector: Edwards J

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

the effect of the development on the integrity of the habitat sites (Arun Valley Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Area and Ramsar site)
whether the proposal would represent a sustainable form of tourism development having regard to the policies of the South Downs Local Plan 2019 and the development's location
its effect on the character, appearance and tranquillity of the area
its effect on ecosystem services and the biodiversity value of the appeal site

What decided it

The development would adversely affect the integrity of the Arun Valley habitat sites through increased water usage and groundwater abstraction, and the proposed offsetting measures could not be appropriately secured, precluding the development under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

Framework references: 56, 123, 124

Plan policies cited: SD25, SD23, SD5, SD7, SD2, SD9, SD1

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.

What an account adds

Draw a red line around your site and the appraisal follows.

Heritage. Listed buildings by grade and distance, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, heritage at risk.
Landscape and environment. Green belt, national parks and national landscapes, SSSIs, ancient woodland, SPA, SAC and Ramsar sites, nutrient catchments.
Flooding. Flood zones 2 and 3, surface water, and both again with climate change.
Transport. The 800 metre station catchment and service frequency, bus stops with their weekday frequency, the cycle network, and the Framework’s transport tests measured for the site.

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