Lindfield and Lindfield Rural Parish Chapter
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Lindfield and Lindfield Rural – Assessed Sites Site Reference: 498 (LF/11) Parish LF Ward Site location Land north east of Lindfield Site use(s): U011 - Agriculture U071 - Dwellings U022 - Un-Managed Forest Gross site area 47.4 hectares Site Suitable: The northern part of the site has low landscape suitability for development, which is important in terms of settlement form and conservation area setting. Development could potentially have a significant impact on the perceived size of the settlement viewed from the countryside to the east. The edge of the settlement is currently fairly well softened by well treed margins. There are 3 areas which have some development potential in landscape sensitivity terms. The area to north of little Walstead Farm has low - medium landscape suitability for development, buffers to the woodland/stream edge and to Little Walstead Farm would be required. However the development of this site in isolation would result in a harmful extension to the settlement. The area to the east of Bancroft Road has a low - medium landscape suitability for development, but sensitivity increases with development further east across the area. Again, the development of this site would result in a harmful extension to the settlement boundary. Access to this site in isolation would be difficult to achieve. The area to the south east of the Wilderness has a medium landscape suitability for development. This area is more contained and would have limited impact on settlement form, but housing should be in character with adjacent properties to minimise impact. However it is unclear if access to the site in isolation could be achieved. Parts of southern area is within Flood Zone 3. Northern part of site would likely adversely impact upon the rare rural setting of the Lindfield Conservation Area (as identified in the Extensive Urban Survey) which adjoins to the west. The Eastern Road Nature Reserve runs through the middle of the site and is soon to be designated as a Local Nature Reserve which limits development potential further. The site is considered unsuitable for development. Site Available: Submitted by proponent and the land is understood to be in the ownership of six individuals/companies. Site Attractive location bordering Lindfield and relatively close to local amenities and Achievable: services. Constraints / Site would require allocation through relevant Neighbourhood Plan or DPD. Ancient Action woodland buffer required. No archaeological objection subject to: (i) protection of setting of required: the Lindfield Motte and Bailey Castle Scheduled Ancient Monument across the River Ouse; (ii) protection of surviving earthworks and land take boundaries on the site of the uncompleted 1860s Ouse Valley Railway; (iii) protection of the setting of the Grade II* Little Walstead Farmhouse Listed Building; (iv) (in the event of development) full archaeological investigation and recording of former site of 17th-18th century Luxford's Farm; (v) archaeological/ geoarchaeological/ historical/ historic landscape desk-based and field assessment and suitable mitigation measures arising therefrom. Net developable area (ha): 35 Proposed site density (dph): 1 Lower- 30 Deliverable (1-5 years) 0 Dwellings Developable (6-10 years) 0 Dwellings Developable (11 years +) 0 Dwellings Not Currently developable Overall The Sustainability Appraisal for the site concluded overall negative results. The detrimental Conclusion impact on the setting of the Lindfield Conservation Area and damage to wider landscape render the majority of the site unsuitable. Whilst there are areas of the site that are suitable for development in landscape terms, there are other reasons why these sites are not suitable for development. The central part of the site is the Eastern Road Nature Reserve and is also not considered suitable for housing due to its biodiversity and recreational value. Mid Sussex SHLAA April 2016 Site Reference: 6 (LR/03) Parish LR Ward Site location Land at Gravelye Lane and Scamps Hill, Lindfield Site use(s): U0131 - Unused Land U011 - Agriculture Gross site area 6.6 hectares Site Suitable: The site has medium high landscape suitability for development (LUC Assessment). Although located within the countryside area between Lindfield and Scaynes Hill, development here should not reduce the current narrowest point of the 'gap' and should not contribute to the coalescence of the settlements. The site has good access to key services and facilities. It is unconstrained in terms of environmental designations. The site is well contained from the wider landscape. Site Available: Controller of site has expressed intention to make the site available. Planning application has been submitted for the site. Site If considering this site by itself it is considered the site would be developed in a Achievable: single phase. Market price and demand for houses in these attractive edge of village locations has remained and so this site is considered viable. Constraints / Site would require allocation through relevant DPD or Neighbourhood Plan and would Action therefore not be developable until year 11+. It would be important to maintain the strong required: boundaries and the internal hedgerow and to keep development away from site edges to minimise visibility and maximise ecological benefits. There would be green infrastructure benefits if good connectivity to the stream valley to the south-east could be maintained/ enhanced. Net developable area (ha): 3.9 Proposed site density (dph): 1 Lower- 30 Deliverable (1-5 years) 0 Dwellings Developable (6-10 years) 0 Dwellings Developable (11 years +) 135 Dwellings Not Currently developable Overall There are no environmental designations on this greenfield site. It is well contained from Conclusion the surrounding landscape due to established tree belts on the majority of boundaries. Development here should not contribute to the coalescence of the settlements. Access to key services and retail is good and Lindfield High Street is within walking distance of the site. Mid Sussex SHLAA April 2016 Site Reference: 29 (LR/04) Parish LR Ward Site location Land off Snowdrop Lane, Lindfield, Haywards Heath Site use(s): U011 - Agriculture U0131 - Unused Land Gross site area 4.9 hectares Site Suitable: The site has low suitability in landscape terms (LUC Assessment). Its setting is distinct from the adjacent urban area and it has rural, scenic qualities. Ancient woodland boundary runs the entire length of the eastern side of the site. A buffer would need to be in place which reduces developable area to approximately 3.5ha. Part of the southern boundary of the site adjoins a Conservation Area. This would need to be taken into consideration, so its character is not adversely impacted upon. Good access on foot to local service using local footpaths. Distance to local services by car is significantly longer. Poor access to public transport. Site does not relate well to existing built up area boundary. Site Available: Submitted by site proponent. Site There are no constraints to indicate development of this site cannot be achieved. Achievable: Attractive rural location likely to be reflected in market price and demand. Site preparation costs are judged to be average. Constraints / Allocation through relevant Neighbourhood Plan or DPD. Impact upon adjacent Action Conservation Area. required: Net developable area (ha): 3.5 Proposed site density (dph): 1 Lower- 30 Deliverable (1-5 years) 0 Dwellings Developable (6-10 years) 0 Dwellings Developable (11 years +) 0 Dwellings Not Currently developable Overall The site is not suitable for development in landscape terms. The site does not relate well to Conclusion the existing built up area boundary, is rural in character and its development would represent an encroachment into the countryside. Although the site has good access to local services including primary school, GP and convenience store using local footpaths, the same journey by car would be significantly longer. There is poor access to the site by public transport indicating all other journeys would be undertaken by car. The surrounding road network in the vicinity of the site is poor. The adjacent woodland and Conservation Area need to be taken into account. Mid Sussex SHLAA April 2016 Site Reference: 76 (LR/01) Parish LR Ward Site location East of High Beech Lane, Haywards Heath Site use(s): U011 - Agriculture Gross site area 9.95 hectares Site Suitable: The site is considered to have low landscape capacity for development. This is due to the proximity of the ridge crest that creates a distinct boundary to this side of the town (LUC Assessment). This site extends 230m into countryside beyond the northernmost boundary of the built-up area and would be obtrusively visible from the wider area to the north. Consideration of this site is dependant on delivery of site 151 to the south (which proposes access onto High Beech Lane). Difficult access arrangements and potential significant impact on highway network in vicinity and distant to strategic routes. Lindfield High Street within 1.6km therefore only fair access to local services and facilities on foot. There are also some TPOs adjacent to the site to the south. Town Wood Ancient Woodland borders to east. Site Available: Sole Landowner intends to make the site available for development. Site Gaining access to the site may be expensive due to difference in ground levels. Achievable: However, this edge-of-settlement greenfield site is still likely to be viable