Plans for a major housing development in Ringmer have been rejected at appeal.
In a decision notice published on Monday (February 6), a planning inspector has dismissed an appeal connected to proposals to build out a 68-home scheme — known locally as the Rangers Farm development — on land to the south of Lewes Road and Laughton Road.
While recommended for approval by officers, the scheme had been refused by Lewes District Council’s planning committee last April, primarily due to concerns about its location.
The applicant appealed on the grounds that the district’s housing shortage meant the scheme should have been approved as, in their view, there were no significant drawbacks to the development.
The inspector came to a different conclusion, however, finding that the development would have “a significant adverse effect on the character and appearance” of the South Downs National Park, which would outweigh the benefits of extra housing.
In their decision notice, the inspector wrote: “Overall, the adverse impacts of granting permission for the proposal would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the proposal in this [National Planning Policy] Framework taken as a whole.
“For the reasons detailed above, and having regard to all other matters raised, I conclude that the appeal should be dismissed.”
The decision was welcomed by residents and local councillors, including Emily O’Brien and Johnny Denis.
Cllr O’Brien said:
“I am delighted that the land south of Lewes and Laughton Road [scheme], aka the Rangers Farm housing development, twice rejected in different forms by Lewes District councillors at planning committee, has not been overturned at appeal and that the government planning inspector has upheld our local decision.
“As ever, I’d like to thank all the amazing Ringmer residents who objected, and local campaign group Ringmer Against Greenfield Exploitation for all their work.”
Cllr Denis said:
“The inspector agreed that development would have wrecked the ‘green gap’ between the Broyle and Ringmer, especially with the Croudace development alongside (unfortunately green lighted at appeal recently) and would also have damaged views from footpaths and the South Downs National Park.
“I am so glad that local views have, for once, been respected.”
For further information on the development see application reference LW/22/0104 on the Lewes District Council website.
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