Project Description

Location: Henfield – West Sussex
Project: Residential

DOWSETTMAYHEW were instructed to secure planning permission for residential redevelopment of commercial land in a rural location to the west of Henfield in West Sussex. Working with sustainable house designers, Scandia-Hus, planning permission was secured on appeal for the surrender of lawful commercial uses and residential redevelopment of 3 bespoke designed dwellings.

The site had a complex planning history, dating back to the late 1940s. This included a part implemented scheme for 6 new B1 light industrial units. DOWSETTMAYHEW successfully argued that the surrender of these commercial units and the associated removal of HGV traffic along a narrow country lane, together with the Council’s absence of a 5-year housing land supply justified a grant of planning permission for residential in a rural location, well beyond any town or village settlement boundary.

The initial planning application was refused by Horsham District Council, but consent was secured on appeal at an informal hearing.

DOWSETTMAYHEW also successfully argued that the Local Planning Authority’s demands for Section 106 contributions were wholly unjustified.

Planning Permission was granted on appeal in late 2013 and construction is now under way.