We are delighted to confirm that we have recently obtained planning permission for Osborn Leisure LLP for 29 residential park homes at Golden Cross Holiday Park, Golden Cross in Wealden District.

Head of our Planning team, Owen Pike summarises the case below;

“Despite being unallocated and in a rural area, our understanding of recent planning decisions nearby helped to demonstrate that the site was sustainable and accessible to local facilities and services.  Our understanding of the Council’s shortfall in its 5 year housing land supply helped to strengthen the supporting case as did our understanding of the Housing and Planning Act 2016, specifically, the legal obligations it imposes on all Councils to forward plan for the provision of residential caravans (park homes).

“We were also able to identify several material considerations that support housing for older people, modular housing and recognise that park homes are generally accepted as low-cost forms of housing (but recognising this form of housing does not meeting the national policy definition for affordable housing).  Notwithstanding this, we had to use our tactful negotiation skills to agree a financial contribution to off-site affordable housing, securing an amount that was much less than the Council originally requested – thanks to a Viability Appraisal we commissioned. This also involved opposing several financial contributions that were requested by the Local Highway Authority.

“Thankfully, we were able to persuade the Planning Case Officer that these latter requests were unreasonable.  To overcome a highway objection, we commissioned a Vehicle Trip Assessment.  We would like to thank Robert Rougham of Transport Planning Associates, Andrew Bagnell of Sanderson Weatherall Caravan Agency & Valuation, and 3-D Architecture Ltd.  Finally, we want to wish Osborn Leisure LLP good luck in delivering the development which we think will be hugely popular.”