Sustainably Constructed and Affordable Homes:
It is anticipated that this site should be able to yield approximately 270 new dwellings, this represents a considerable contribution to the local target of 815, and to the requirement for new houses in the South East in general. By taking into account policy H4 of the adopted Local Plan, 30% (around 80) of these dwellings would be classified as affordable housing. The allocation of this site would not result in any private dwellings being made fit or demolished, if required.
Results/Score= Positive (+)
Risk of Flooding:
The proposed housing will not be located in a flood risk area. The site would have the scope to implement a sustainable drainage system, such as a wet detention pond to balance run-off from the site itself if the need arose.
Results/Score= Positive (+)
Human Health and Well Being:
The development of this site would not result in the loss of health facilities. The site is located less than 2km from the nearest health facilities, which is within the target for this indicator. A tree-lined public footpath runs through the site opening the houses up to greenspace (well within the 300m target), additionally playing fields and Ditchling Common are nearby.
Results/Score= Positive (+)
Educational Opportunities:
A primary school is located within 10 minutes walk (800m) from the site, Burgess Hill School is within 17 minutes walk and Oakmeeds Community School is within 25 minutes walk (2km), these are also accessible by bus.
Results/Score= Positive (+)
Crime Resistant Communities:
The impact of this proposed allocation on this sustainability objective is unknown.
Results/Score= Neutral (0)
Community Services, Recreation and Leisure Facilities:
The site is located within 1.5km of shops, 2km of main town centre stores, 1km of open playing fields and Ditchling Common and 4.3km from the Triangle Leisure Centre – all relatively accessible.
Results/Score= Positive (+)
Efficient Use of Land:
Development of this site would be entirely consistent with and would meet the density requirement in PPG3.
Results/Score= Positive (+)
Air Quality:
With many services within walking distance of the site and excellent access to the station and town centre by bus or bicycle the need to utilise private cars, with their negative effect on air quality, should be minimised. Further, development of this site could generate a “critical mass”, leading to even further improved public transport and walking/cycle provision in the area, thereby having an even more beneficial effect.
Results/Score= Neutral (0)
Climate Change:
The site avoids areas defined as at risk of flooding, hence the development would unlikely be adversely affected by climate-induced flooding events. Transport links to employment in Burgess Hill and to the Station (with connections to London and Brighton) should encourage people to commute by train, helping to control carbon emissions. Any other indicators relating to this objective would be impacted upon at the detailed application stage of the development of this site.
Results/Score= Secondary/indirect positive (+?)
Biodiversity:
An ecological survey will be carried out prior to the submission of any application. The site does not lie close to a designated nature conservation area. The site has few significant landscape features. Further substantial vegetation along the boundary of the site and a line of mature trees running through the site will be retained and could represent an opportunity for enhanced biodiversity.
Results/Score= Possible positive (+?)
Countryside and Historic Environment:
The site lies outside the built up boundary and within a strategic gap to the south of Burgess Hill. Despite this, it is anticipated that the impact on the countryside would be minimal. Strategic viewpoints from the South Downs or the local Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty will not be adversely affected because of natural barriers. There are no known listed buildings on or immediately adjacent to the site.
Results/Score= Neutral (0)
Road Congestion and Pollution:
With a choice of modes of transport and local amenities, car use created by the development should be minimised, further any development would be coordinated with traffic calming and control systems.
Results/Score= Neutral (0)
Sustainable Produced and/or Local Products:
The impact of this site on this sustainability objective is unknown.
Results/Score= Neutral (0)
Waste:
There are several recycling banks within the town with the nearest being at the Railway Tavern on Station Road. In addition a door-by-door recycling collection is operated District-wide. It is not possible to determine the effect of allocating this site for housing would have on other indicators.
Results/Score= Secondary/indirect positive. (+?)
Water Quality:
Discussion with Southern Water indicate that the pumping station that serves Burgess Hill would be capable of dealing with foul water drainage from the site. A public sewer running westward along Folders Lane could easily accommodate the development.
Results/Score= Neutral (0)
Energy Efficiency:
The impact of this proposed site on this sustainability objective is unknown.
Results/Score= Neutral (0)
Employment:
The site is located in Burgess Hill, an employment centre with good connections to London. The site will be solely for housing units and no employment units have been proposed to date. In the short term there will be employment opportunities as a result of the development of this site.
Results/Score= Possible positive (+?)
Economic Growth:
The WSCC Structure Plan states that new housing, along with measures to increase the productivity and skills of the local workforce, will allow the economy of the County to grow and adapt. Any new housing should, therefore, be seen as contributing towards local goals and economic growth. Development of this site would not result in the loss of any employment land or premises.
Results/Score= Positive (+)
Sustainable Tourism Sector:
Facilities or features that attract visitors to the area would not be lost as a result of developing this site. However, it is unlikely that development of this site would result in attracting more visitors.
Results/Score= Neutral (0)
For further information please contact Chris Barker.
