Frequently Asked Questions
General
Why are you proposing Land at Coombe Farm for new homes?
The site, Land at Coombe Farm has been identified by the Council as suitable for contributing to the district’s housing needs. It is sustainably located, within walking distance of local amenities, as well as being a clearly defined site with boundaries.
Land at Coombe Farm forms part of the wider collection of sites around Sayers Common that have been allocated for development in the emerging Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) District Plan 2021-2039.
Welbeck’s proposals are in line with the Council’s aspirations and the planning policy for the site.
Is the site allocated for new homes in the District Plan?
Yes, the site has a draft allocation in the emerging Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) District Plan 2021-2039, alongside other sites in the vicinity. The Land at Coombe Farm site is referred to as DPSC5 and is allocated for around 210 homes.
How large is the site?
The site is 14.5 hectares, which is roughly the size of 20 football pitches.
Planning Application
What is an outline planning application?
We will be submitting an outline planning application. An outline planning application means that the application will confirm the parameters of the proposals, such as the number of homes, amount of community open spaces and other uses. The vehicular access will also be detailed. The local authority will confirm whether these are acceptable or not through granting or refusing the planning application.
Should the outline planning application be granted permission, details such as the design of the new homes, and the type of houses will be confirmed through later planning applications, known as reserved matters.
When will you be submitting the planning application?
We are still in the process of developing the proposals, which the community consultation will inform. It is our intention to submit an application to MSDC in Autumn 2025.
Who will decide the planning application?
Mid Sussex District Council as the local planning authority will consider the applcation and make a decision on whether to approve or refuse.
Is this the only opportunity to have a say on the proposals?
No, there will be further consultation undertaken on the proposals when the application is submitted. At that point, MSDC will undertake what is known as a statutory consultation. This website will also be updated as the proposals progress.
The Proposals
What are you proposing?
We are proposing to create a sustainable neighbourhood for Sayers Common, including:
- Up to 210 new homes, including 30% affordable and self-build homes
- New public open green spaces, including children’s play areas
- The protection of the existing woodland and enhancing the local ecology
- The promotion of pedestrian and cycle movements
- Sustainable drainage systems
Who will build the new homes?
Following the granting of outline planning consent, a delivery partner will be selected to construct the new homes.
Will there be affordable homes?
Yes, we are proposing a policy-compliant level of affordable housing which is 30%.
Have you looked at ecological and biodiversity impacts?
As part of developing the emerging proposals the project team undertakes many different surveys and assessments, including those that assess the current ecology and biodiversity of the site. This is currently ongoing.
The proposal will comply with the statutory requirement of +10% biodiversity net gain.
What will happen to Coombe Wood?
The proposals will protect and enhance Coombe Wood, which is currently neglected and in poor condition. The proposed new homes have purposefully been designed to minimise impact on the woodland setting. The development brings with it the opportunity to effectively maintain the, ensuring their future longevity.
How will the proposal impact existing neighbouring properties?
There are a few existing homes that are situated opposite the site along the B2118. The layout of the new site is being designed sensitively to minimise impact on these existing properties, whilst also ensuring the new homes are integrated into the wider area.
What consideration have you given to the heritage context?
The site does not sit within a Conservation Area; however, there are three Grade II listed buildings within Coombe Farm which is not part of the development site. The proposals have been sensitively designed to minimise impact on the setting of these buildings.
What improvements will be made to the existing transport network?
The site benefits from proximity to a wider network of cycle and pedestrian routes. The development proposes to improve the connections through the site for the benefit of new and existing residents.
As part of the planning application a Transport Assessment is being undertaken which includes surveying the local roads and key junctions to understand how the proposed new homes will impact the existing road network. A Transport Statement will be submitted with planning application which will set out the survey findings and include recommended mitigation measures, if they are deemed necessary.
How will this proposal benefit the residents of Sayers Common?
The proposals include many benefits for the existing Sayers Common community, including new community amenities and public open space. It will also deliver new homes, including affordable, which are much needed in the local area.