CPRE Sussex defends land north west of Southwater

This speculative application, which seriously threatens bat species, raises issues including affordable housing.

Application DC/26/0366 is an outline planning application, with all matters reserved (except for primary access to the highway) for a phased development comprising: the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of residential dwellings (including affordable housing) (Use Classes C2 and C3); a mixed-use neighbourhood centre (Use Classes E and F); education facilities (Use Class F1(a)); business and employment floorspace (Use Classes B2, B8 and E(g)); redevelopment of existing agricultural buildings including construction of a building for community use (Use Classes E and F2); improvements to public rights of way; sports pitches; gypsy and traveller pitches/plots; public open space; landscaping, and associated infrastructure.

CPRE Sussex asks that this speculative application, which is being imposed on the community, thereby undermining their Neighbourhood Plan, be refused.

Our concerns and reasons for objecting to this application include the lack of clarity on the number of dwellings and the size of the site; whether the ‘affordable housing’ would actually be affordable; the impact on at least ten species of bats roosting across the site and particularly on Barbastelle bats which are not in favourable conservation status; and sewage treatment issues.

Read: CPRE Sussex Objection to DC 26 0366