The Broyle

ECE Planning

ECE Planning secured full planning permission at appeal for 70 modular homes at The Broyle, Ringmer, on behalf of BoKlok Homes Ltd. The scheme included 40% affordable housing and was initially refused by Lewes District Council due to its location on unallocated land outside the settlement boundary, landscape concerns and drainage matters.

Acting as lead consultant and expert witness, ECE presented a robust planning case to overcome each of these issues, expertly presenting a positive case for the development through our written representations and at the Appeal Hearing.

A key element of our strategy was the Council’s inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, engaging the “tilted balance”. We drew on recent local appeal precedents to demonstrate that sustainable development in this location should be supported, particularly given the acute need for affordable housing.

Through landscape evidence, ECE Planning were able to argue at the Hearing that the site could be sensitively integrated into its surroundings, with substantial planting and a well-considered layout. The appeal also highlighted the sustainability credentials of BoKlok’s modular homes – including faster delivery, lower embodied carbon, and significantly reduced waste – in line with national policy priorities on climate and housing delivery.

Concerns regarding drainage were addressed through revised technical reports and agreement with the Lead Local Flood Authority to secure detailed designs via condition. ECE Planning led collaborative working with the LLFA in the build-up to the Appeal Hearing managing to overcome concerns raised.

The Inspector allowed the appeal recognising the scheme’s public benefits and ECE’s clear, policy-driven case. This result demonstrates ECE Planning’s expertise in navigating complex policy contexts and delivering positive outcomes for sustainable, affordable development.