Springfield Road - Public Hearing

TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990
PUBLIC HEARING
Date: Tuesday 10th June 2025 at 10.00 at Albery House, Springfield Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 2GB
REASON FOR HEARING

Appeal by Mr Tony Castle, relating to the enforcement notice served by Horsham District Council,. The notice alleges: 1) It appears to the Council that the above breach of planning control has occurred within the last ten years. The Land is located in the rural area outside of a defined built-up area boundary, where development is strictly controlled in the Horsham District Planning Framework (2015) (“HOPF”) unless there are compelling circumstances to depart from this. The unauthorised development by reason of its siting and design and encroachment into the rural area, results in a visually harmful form of development in the countryside which is having a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding area and an adverse impact on the amenity of users of the public right of way (footpath 2298) which crosses the Land in a north to south direction. The development is therefore contrary to Policy 23 Paragraph 1.(e), Policy 26 and Policy 33 Paragraphs 2, 3 & 4 of the HOPF; 2) The unauthorised development, due to its quantum and spread across the Land detracts from the otherwise informal rural character of the countryside location, and results in moderate harm to the setting of the adjacent Grade II Listed Building known as Laurel Cottage. The development, therefore, fails to protect, conserve and enhance the landscape character of the area, and results in unacceptable harm to the character and appearance of the area, contrary to Policies 23, 25, 26, 32, 33 and 34 of the HOPF (2015) and Paragraph 215 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2024). Furthermore, it has not been demonstrated to the Local Planning Authority with a sufficient degree of certainty that the development would not contribute to an existing adverse effect upon the integrity of the internationally designated Arun Valley Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Area and Ramsar sites by way of increased water abstraction, contrary to Policy 31 of the Horsham District Planning Framework (2015), paragraphs 185 and 186 of the National Planning Policy Framework {2024). Thus, the Local Planning Authority is unable to discharge its duties under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended), and s.40 of the NERC Act 2006 (Priority habitats & species). The Council does not consider that planning permission should be granted, because planning conditions could not overcome these objections to the development.at Staalcot Farm, Stall House Lane, North Heath, West Sussex,
RH20 2HR
An Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State under paragraph 1(1) of schedule 6 to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 will attend at the place, date and time shown above to decide the appeal.
Members of the public may attend the hearing and, at the Inspector’s discretion, express their views. If you or anyone you know has a disability and is concerned about facilities at the inquiry venue, you should contact the Council to confirm that suitable provisions are in place.
Documents relating to the appeal can be viewed at the Council’s offices by prior arrangement or through the Council’s website.
Planning Inspectorate References:
APP/Z3825/C/25/3361550 – (EN/25/0016)
APP/Z3825/W/25/3360345 – (DC/24/1573)
Planning Inspectorate Contact
Elizabeth Pleasant BSc (Hons) DipTP MRTPI – 0303 444 5000