®Planning appeal decision
Scamps Hill , Lindfield, RH16 2GT
the erection of up to 90 dwellings with public open space, landscaping and sustainable drainage system (SuDS) and vehicular access point. All matters reserved except for means of access
- Authority
- Mid Sussex District Council
- Appeal type
- major · Planning Appeal
- Procedure
- Inquiry
- Development
- residential · Major dwellings
- Inspector
- Longmuir J
Main issues, as the Inspector framed them
- the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
- the effect of the proposal on protected species and habitat
- the effect of the proposal on the settings of the Lindfield Conservation Area, Grade II listed Grayfriars, Grade II listed Tythe Cottage and non-designated heritage asset, Walstead Grange
What decided it
The significant shortfall in housing land supply engaged the paragraph 11(d) tilted balance, and the substantial benefits of housing delivery and affordable housing outweighed the less-than-substantial heritage harm and limited landscape harm identified.
The substantial benefits of 90 new homes, 30% affordable housing, biodiversity net gain and accessible open space outweighed the less-than-substantial harm to heritage assets and limited harm to landscape character, so that adverse impacts did not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits under paragraph 11(d).
Framework references: 7, 8, 11, 57, 58, 61, 208, 212, 213, 215, 216
Plan policies cited: DP6, DP12, DP15, DP20, DP25, DP26, DP31, DP34, DP35, DP37, DP38, NP1
Judgments cited: Catesby Estates Ltd v Steer [2018] EWCA Civ 1697; Vistry Homes v Secretary of State for Levelling Up Housing and Communities [2024] EWHC 2088 (Admin); Gladman Developments Limited v Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and Corby Borough Council and Uttlesford District Council [2021] EWCA Civ 104
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.