Extra Crowhurst homes approved

On Thursday (January 14), Rother District Council planners approved an application to build four two-bedroom, semi-detached houses on land off of Crowhurst Road – a site which already has planning permission for two detached homes.

While approved, the application has seen some significant local opposition, with most objectors raising concerns around an “overdevelopment” of the area.

Speaking on behalf of Crowhurst Parish Council, parish councillor Rosalyn Day said: “We object to this application as an overdevelopment of this area. 

“We are aware that permission has already been granted for two properties in this area, but we feel doubling that number will put too much pressure on this location.

“Even with changes to the driveway we feel there will be poor access into and out of the site. Chapel Hill is a curving road with a blind bend at the bottom, with traffic tending to be quite fast as it passes the access point.

“We have had vehicle data and it is going quite fast as it passes that point. Even though [East Sussex] Highways have said you make the sight lines okay, we think there will be extra pressure to remove the trees, which are very important to keep the rural nature of the area.”

Cllr Day also raised concerns around the development itself (with a larger footprint than the previously approved scheme) having an impact on the nearby woodland and local biodiversity.

A number of committee members also raised concerns around scheme’s impact on biodiversity, but it was not felt it would be grounds to refuse the scheme outright.

Cllr Sam Coleman (Lab) said: “I have a lot of sympathy for the arguments about biodiversity. It should always be something in our mind especially with the climate emergency. 

“But I do think this is within the development boundary [and] the principle of development has already been established with two properties, so I can’t really see any justification for an extra two properties suddenly warranting refusal.”

As a compromise, committee members considered it appropriate to add extra conditions to ensure the scheme would benefit, rather than harm, the local environment.

Cllr Susan Prochak (Lib Dem) who said: “We are in an absolutely unique position here. This is a village that has a biodiversity audit. Not only have they got an audit it has been validated. 

“The work has been done for us to actually say we want proposals for net gain biodiversity.”

The idea of extra conditions on biodiversity appeared to be supported by representatives of the applicant too.

The applicant’s planning agent Cos Polito said: “It is noted that important trees are retained along the frontage and that the loss of trees within the site are comparable to that permitted under the consented scheme, additional landscaping is however proposed.

“There are no identified biodiversity constraints although improvements could be secured by planning condition.

“There are no objections from your officers with regards to the design and appearance of the dwellings or the impact on the AONB.

“The applicant notes the parish council’s concerns over the proposal. The parish council believe the site is overdeveloped, but we believe the scheme shows the proposed houses can fit on the site comfortably.  Your officers also concur on this issue.”

Following a lengthy discussion, the committee opted to approve the proposals, with stronger conditions around the development’s impact on biodiversity. 

For further information see application reference RR2020/945/P on the Rother District Council website.