At the South Downs National Park’s planning committee meeting on 8th August, the Friends of the South Downs (South Downs Society) challenged the National Park in five key areas over a planning application for a large commercial and housing development North of Buckmore Farm, Beckham Lane, Petersfield consisting of a just under a 5,000sqm business site and a residential site for up to 85 residential houses*.
This is what the Society’s Policy Officer, Vic Ient, said to the committee on Thurs 8th August: Click here to see the SDNPA Video recording Also using this link you will be able to see the full debate and presentation.
The Society asked the SDNPA to require the developer to submit a ‘zero carbon & renewable energy scheme.’ There was a positive
response to this from the planning officers when they agreed to strengthen ‘Condition 16’ to include changes coming forth from the Government’s Green Futures Policy and the Climate Change Act There was also sympathy for the Society’s key areas from the members as well. Many members refered to achieving ‘zero’ carbon impact.
The members also agreed with our Society in that there should be a liaison group set up between the developer and the Town Council including local groups.
Here is a what our Policy Officer said:
I’m speaking on behalf of the South Downs Society which was formed in 1923 to protect the landscape and the environment. The application should be deferred to adapt the development to include the stronger climate change condition and guidance and to:
- Set up a ‘Liaison Group’ between the developer & local organisations, including the Town Council & local groups
- Make better provision for sustainable travel
- Make provision for ‘net biodiversity gain’
- Comply with the SDNPA’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan
We support the comments of the Petersfield Society and Petersfield Town Council.
This is the first application which the Authority has heard on a housing development since the National Park’s local plan came into operation. Also it’s the first development proposal since MPs made history by passing a Commons motion to declare an ‘environment and climate change emergency’ and it is the first development since The House of Commons unanimously passed legislation to commit the UK to net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
We support affordable housing. However, the matter of Climate Change in planning new homes has not been treated with the importance it deserves. It is important that the National Park sets out its determination to follow government policy and law with regard to achieving ‘net zero’ carbon. Reference is made to policy SD48 but the SDNPA should go further and condition any permission by referring to policies by the UK Government on climate change. Permission should make specific reference to the government’s decision that, for instance, gas fired central heating will be banned from 2025 and that petrol and diesel powered cars will be banned from 2040.
In summary, any permission should require the developer to submit a ‘zero carbon & renewable energy scheme’
*Details of the application can be found here: https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/planning/planning-applications/ under reference number: SDNP/18/06292/OUT – the SDNPA summary of the application is:
Development of a business site comprising up to 4,730sqm (gross) of employment floorspace, a residential site for up to 85 residential dwellings and the provision of a green space (including diversion of a public right of way) together with associated parking, landscaping and infrastructure. Address: Land North of Buckmore Farm, Beckham Lane, Petersfield.
Click here to see the officers’ recommendations and report. (See item 7)
