Agenda

Delegated planning decisions for the week beginning 10 February 2020 are attached.  Contact for enquiries: Jean McPherson, Group Manager: Development Management on 01293 438577.

The following documents are attached in relation to Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders:

·         List of Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders.

·         Brighton Road, Pease Pottage (Appendix A).

·         Fernhill Road, Pound Hill (Appendix B).

·         Martyrs Avenue, Langley Green (Appendix C).

On 11 February 2020 Councillor Lamb, as Leader of the Council, approved the Non-Domestic Rates Income for 2020/21 as set out in report FIN/494.

The Council has approved the making of four new Article 4 Directions. An Article 4 Direction is a planning tool that is used to remove particular permitted development rights where there is a risk that the proper planning of an area could be undermined. In this case, the Directions relate to the following designated Main Employment Areas:

-        Lowfield Heath

-        Maidenbower Business Park

-        Three Bridges Corridor

-        Tilgate Forest Business Centre

The Directions have been made in response to permitted development rights that currently allow the change of use of buildings from office (Class B1a), light industrial (Class B1c) and storage & distribution centres (Class B8) use to residential (Class C3) without the need for planning permission.

The Council is concerned that the unplanned introduction of residential uses into Crawley’s Main Employment Areas through prior approval is undermining the important employment function of these areas, including through the loss of business land and premises and also by introducing amenity sensitive residential use which is not compatible with the function of a working main employment area.

When in force, the Article 4 Directions will remove the permitted development rights referred to above. This will mean that planning permission is required where a change of use is proposed from office (Class B1a), light industrial (Class B1c) or storage & distribution (Class B8) to residential (Class C3) use.

The Council is has chosen to pursue a non-immediate Article 4 direction, which is subject to a 12 month notification period, including a statutory consultation period. Notification letters have been sent to businesses within the identified Main Employment Areas, as well as neighbouring authorities, business groups, land agents and other stakeholders.

The council has invited comments between 17 February 2020 and 17 May 2020. Subject to consideration of the feedback received, the Directions would come into force on 22 February 2021.

Details of the Article 4 Directions and consultation materials can be viewed on the council’s website at www.crawley.gov.uk/A4D. Paper copies are also available to view at Crawley Town Hall and Crawley Library.

If you have any questions,or would like further information about any of the issues raised in this bulletin, please contact Anthony Masson, Senior Planning Officer on 01293 438761 or email Anthony.masson@crawley.gov.uk

Answers to frequently asked questions in relation to the Three Bridges Station Improvement Scheme can be found on the Invest Crawley webpages.

A consultation document on the proposed addition of Specialist Support Centres in West Sussex is attached.

Staff changes for January 2020 are attached for Councillors only.

Press releases are available at www.crawley.gov.uk/news