PLANS to build up to 36 new homes in Hailsham have been approved despite concerns over the impact on protected wildlife and local infrastructure, after the committee chairman used his casting vote to break a deadlock.
Wealden District Council’s Majors Planning Committee narrowly backed outline proposals by Trafalgar Group Ltd for land south of Howard Close, with the decision only secured after chairman Cllr Gareth Owen-Williams cast the deciding vote when members were split.
One of the main concerns raised during the meeting centred on the site’s proximity to habitat used by protected great crested newts, with Hailsham Town Council warning the land falls within a “red zone” for the species.
The town council also objected over highway safety, pressure on local infrastructure, the loss of trees and the site’s proximity to the Hailsham Wastewater Treatment Works.
Planning officers, however, said the impact on great crested newts could be adequately mitigated through the developer signing up to the appropriate licensing scheme. They also concluded that the loss of trees was acceptable, highway improvements could be secured through planning conditions and any odour from the nearby wastewater treatment works could be addressed during the detailed design stage.
Residents also voiced objections to the development. Neighbour John Byrne said the proposed layout could leave his property overlooked by five new homes, affecting both his privacy and outlook. Officers said detailed issues such as the positioning of homes would be considered when a reserved matters application is submitted, as the current proposal only sought outline permission.
Despite the objections, planning officers recommended approval, arguing the council’s current housing land supply position meant national planning policy created a “tilted balance” in favour of sustainable development.
Speaking during the debate, Cllr Gareth Owen-Williams acknowledged the difficult position councillors faced, while fellow committee member Cllr Greg Collins said the national planning system left members with little choice.
Seconding the recommendation for approval, Cllr Collins said: “This all comes down to the tilted balance at the end of the day.
“So, holding my nose very, very firmly — because I think officers know how much I dislike the tilted balance and the fact that it places a pair of handcuffs on us when it comes to deciding these applications — I will second your proposal.”
When the matter went to a vote, councillors were evenly divided, with two members supporting the application, two voting against and one abstaining.
As committee chairman, Cllr Owen-Williams exercised his casting vote to approve the application, allowing the outline plans for up to 36 homes to proceed.
