41 Hammerwood Road

Client: Private
Local Planning Authority: Mid Sussex District Council

Our client had partly undertaken a loft conversion complete with dormer windows, velux windows and a replacement roof. They thought that their works would be covered by permitted development rights and therefore they would not need planning permission, however their property lies within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and as such did not benefit from the required permitted development rights. After the Council’s Enforcement team become involved, it was agreed that a retrospective planning application be submitted despite officers informal views that the scheme was not acceptable. 

We had the necessary plans prepared and prepared a retrospective planning application for the works. Our Planning Statement demonstrated that the proposal would not have any adverse impact on the AONB, that the design of the works would be in keeping with the character of the area and the existing building, and that there would not be significant adverse impact on neighbouring amenities in line with policy and guidance contained within the Mid Sussex District Plan, the Ashurst Wood Neighbourhood Plan and various other supplementary planning documents.

Once submitted, the application received a number of representations from neighbours which we responded to as required and the Case Officer agreed with the points made by ourselves. The application was subsequently approved under delegated powers.