Plans to build new homes delegated by committee

PLANS to build five homes in Bramber were delegated by Horsham District Council planners.

Members at the Development Control South meeting on Tuesday December 20, heard details about plans to demolish Castle View Rest Home on The Street, replacing the home with five new properties.

Planning case officer Kathryn Sadler made reference to an application last year (DC/10/0441) in which permission was given for eight apartments to be built on the site.

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Speaking on behalf of the applicants Mr S House, a local estate agent of 14 years, said in a recent search he found that there were more buyers looking for family homes than apartments.

The chairman of Bramber Parish Council spoke at the meeting raising the issue of parking.

Roger Potter stated that the narrow street would not be able to cope with the increased number of cars parking there.

He said that many people use the spaces and the public car park to use the take-aways, restaurant and hotel and that a loss of space could impact on these businesses.

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Local member Jim Goddard (Con, Bramber, Upper Beeding and Woodmancote) said that the plans should be refused due to the issue of parking, adding that he felt the report was incorrect as it was carried out at the quietest time of the day.

However, Gary Peck, planning team leader for the south of the district, told members that as West Sussex County Council did not raise any objection in relation to highway matters they could not justify refusing the application in regards to parking.

David Coldwell (Con, Bramber, Upper Beeding and Woodmancote) said that he felt that the land was overdeveloped and argued that this could be a valid reason to refuse the plans.

Sue Rogers (Con, Steyning) suggested that they ask the applicant to reduce the number of homes.

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Chairman David Jenkins asked local members, Mr Goddard and Mr Coldwell, if they were happy with this and proposed that the decision be delegated with a view to refuse unless a new plan with less homes was submitted.

Members voted in favour of this.