Council set to decide on 145-home development
LDRSA resubmitted proposal to build 145 new homes in East Sussex is set to go before council planners on Thursday night.
An initial application by Gladman Developments Ltd to build on land north of Eastbourne Road in Uckfield was rejected by Wealden District Council last November.
Alongside objections from neighbours, East Sussex Highways had raised concerns around "excessive walking distances" for future residents and unsuitable cycling routes, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Planning officers have recommended the resubmitted scheme be approved, warning that the previous refusal is unlikely to be maintained if taken to appeal.
A report to the council's planning committee north confirmed that East Sussex Highways did "not wish to oppose the granting of planning permission…in this instance".
The report added that both the council and applicant have sought legal advice which outlines that "an appeal against the council's decision has strong prospects of success".
A planning spokesman added: "The applicant has served notification of intent to submit an appeal against the previous refusal … and is requesting a public inquiry."
In documents submitted as part of its application, a spokesman for the developer said: "Gladman does not accept that the reason for refusal issued (against officer recommendation) is justified."
They added that changes to national planning policy implemented since the application was refused meant the "balance now tips even further in favour of a grant of planning permission".
As with the original application, developers are only seeking permission for the site's access.
Building layout and design will need further approval.
A previous version of this application had sought permission to build up to 210 homes but this was modified after concerns were raised over how near it was to ancient woodland.
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