Three new homes to replace two barns in Warnham

The decision was by no means unanimous, with members of the planning committee north split over the application for land on Northlands Road.

The applicant already had prior approval to convert one of the barns into four two-bedroom homes, so officers felt this latest application – for a pair of semi-detached three-bedroom houses and a four-bedroom house – was an improvement.

The site is in the countryside, outside the built up area boundary, and some members were worried that approving the plans would set a precedent.

Stuart Ritchie (Con, Itchingfield, Slinfold & Warnham) called for the application to be refused, saying any out-building in rural areas would be ‘fair game’ if it went through.

While a number of others agreed, the suggestion was voted down.

The issue lay with the prior approval.

Officers warned the committee that to refuse would be seen as ‘unreasonable’ as the principle had already been established that homes could be built on the site.

It was a view shared by Brian Donnelly (Con, Pulborough, Coldwaltham & Amberley), who said the council would be ‘a dead duck’ if the applicant appealed the decision.

The plans were approved by 13 votes to nine with two abstentions.

To view the application, log on to www.horsham.gov.uk/planning and search for DC/20/1166.