®Planning appeal decision
Land and Buildings Adjacent to Ham Cottage, Slugwash Lane, Wivelsfield, East Sussex, RH17 7RG
Planning appeal 3348808 at Land and Buildings Adjacent to Ham Cottage, Slugwash Lane, Wivelsfield, East Sussex, RH17 7RG (Lewes District Council) was allowed on 15 April 2025 by Inspector Smith J, by written representations. The main issue, as the Inspector framed it: the suitability of the location for housing, having regard to the development plan and other material considerations.
Erection of two new dwellings, following the partial demolition of stables, demolition of kennels outbuildings and structures; and associated landscaping including remodelling of existing sand school and re-siting adjacent to it of two partially retained stables, reduced in size
- Authority
- Lewes District Council
- Appeal type
- minor · Planning Appeal
- Procedure
- Written Representations
- Development
- residential · Minor Dwellings
- Inspector
- Smith J
- Postcode
- RH17 7RG
Main issues, as the Inspector framed them
- the suitability of the location for housing, having regard to the development plan and other material considerations
- the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area
- its effect on use and enjoyment of the public right of way network
What decided it
The fallback position of the extant planning permission for two dwellings by conversion, combined with the visual and environmental benefits of the proposed scheme over that approved alternative, outweighed the limited conflict with Policy DM1.
The limited conflict with Policy DM1 was outweighed by the material consideration of the fallback position carrying considerable weight, together with benefits over the extant permission in terms of character and appearance, biodiversity enhancements, and potential for improved energy efficiency.
What the Inspector cited
- Development plan policies
- Policy DM1Policy DM4Policy CP10Policy DM25Policy CP13Policy 5 of the Wivelsfield Neighbourhood Plan 2016
How the Inspector dealt with each one is set out in the app, in order: the development plan, national policy, housing land supply, other considerations and the planning balance, beside the letter.
See how each was appliedThe decision letter
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With an account
What an account adds to this decision
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The main issues, what decided it, the planning balance and the policies and judgments listed as cited are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro and are our summary, not the Inspector’s words; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.