Wandleys Lane
Back to projects
ECE Planning
ECE Planning secured permission at Appeal for up to 95 new homes at Land East of Wandleys Lane, Fontwell, on behalf of Welbeck Land Ltd.
ECE Planning led the planning strategy from the outset, navigating complex policy considerations and engaging early with Arun District Council to explore the site’s deliverability. The site is positioned outside of but adjacent to the built-up area boundary, requiring a detailed planning case to be prepared centering on unmet housing needs and sustainability. Technical matters such as drainage, flood risk, ecology, and transport were addressed through coordinated inputs to ensure every aspect of the scheme was robust, policy-compliant and futureproofed.
Following productive early discussions with Arun District Council officers, the scheme was rejected by Planning Committee, primarily due to paragraph 14 of the NPPF, following Government changes, which gave protection to the otherwise out of date neighbourhood plan.
ECE Planning ran an appeal by hearing with a robust case presented in relation to housing need and supply, sustainability of location, landscape and arboricultural matters. The Planning Inspector acknowledged conflict with the neighbourhood plan but concluded that in the instance of significant housing need, that the benefits significantly and demonstrably outweighed the harm, allowing the Appeal.
