LANDSCAPING proposals are to be investigated before detailed plans for 23 homes on a former Horsham care home site are approved.
Horsham District Council development management committee delegated the application by Croudace Homes for 14 houses and nine flats, parking and access at Brookfield, Blackbridge Lane, with a view to approval after further discussion on landscaping and a legal agreement.
Principal planning officer Val Cheesman said on Tuesday outline permission for demolition of the care home and building 23 homes had been approved and all that was left to discuss was landscaping and the appearance of the buildings.
The crescent of homes fronting Blackbridge Lane had been divided into three and the terrace on the eastern boundary split into two blocks.
Nine would be affordable homes but one previously to be four bedroom had now been changed to three bed as Moat Housing Association non longer provided four bed units due to the high rent levels that had to be charged.
Laurence Deakins (Con, Denne) said the changes would make it more aesthetically pleasing, however, he was concerned about neighbouring properties being ‘in the middle of a building site’ if it went ahead at the same time as another development along the road.
Mrs Cheesman said there was nothing they could do about the timing of building works.
David Sheldon (LDem, Denne) questioned whether there was no longer a need for four bedroom houses and Mrs Cheesman said it was a decision based on rent but the housing officer was happy with the change.
Also concerned about the loss of the four bedroom house was David Holmes (LDem, Horsham Park), as there was a shortage of larger affordable housing.
“I would like further discussion. This is a matter of some concern,” he said.