Plans for 100 Pulborough homes refused

Plans for 100 homes on the edge of Pulborough have been refused by Horsham District Council.
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A total of 52 letters of objection to the scheme on land north east of Glebelands were received by the council and its officers recommended the application be rejected as it was in the countryside outside the village’s built up area boundary.

Members of HDC’s Development Control South Committee decided to reject the application on Tuesday with councillors arguing the scheme was premature before Pulborough’s neighbourhood plan had been completed.

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Speaking in objection Rachael Espezel, who lives in Drovers Lane, argued that when surveyed Pulborough residents had argued in favour of developing brownfield rather than greenfield land.

Lydia Parker, another Drovers Lane resident, added: “Pulborough is full. If this development goes ahead it will have a major impact on the village.”

Andy Tilbrook, speaking for Pulborough Parish Council, explained that as part of the neighbourhood plan process the final sites had not been allocated, but initial work showed the site could accommodate closer to 50 new homes.

He added: “Although we have yet to make that assessment we think the signs are positive for this particular site.”

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He pointed out that the properties Drovers Lane on the edge of the village had been built on greenfields.

Guy Dixon, a chartered planner for Savills and agent for the scheme, argued that the site’s inclusion in the emerging neighbourhood plan meant the principle of development had been ‘confirmed as being sustainable’.

However councillors disagreed.

Paul Clarke (Con, Pulborough and Coldwaltham) said: “I think this development at this point in time is premature.”

Meanwhile Brian Donnelly (Con, Pulborough and Coldwaltham) suggested that in the future they would have to look at developing the site as there were not many other alternatives

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He added: “We have no option. The Government is going to say jump, and we are going to say how high.”

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