The table (see file below) attached provides information on current and previous planning applications considered by the parish council. The table also includes the decisions made by the principal authority (Wealden District Council).

Details of each application can be found on the Wealden DC website via the link below.

https://planning.wealden.gov.uk/disclaimer.aspx?returnURL=%2f

RE: WD/2025/0605/FA - WD/2025/0605/FA - Lovers Farmhouse, Church Farm Lane, Chalvington, BN27 3TD

At its meeting on Monday 7th April 2025, Chalvington With Ripe Parish Council resolved to OBJECT to the above planning application for the following reasons: 

Councillors recalled objecting to a previous similar application for short-term letting. The current application specifies "tourist accommodation" for max 28 days. It was felt the change in wording did not alter the fundamental objections regarding sustainability, reliance on cars, and potential impact on neighbours in a sensitive location, as detailed in the objection to the previous application (Sept 2024). The original approval was for ancillary/workspace use.

RESOLVED: To OBJECT to the application, maintaining the position stated in the previous objection. The change to Condition 9 is not supported.

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Re: WD/2024/2392/MEA - Land At Colbrans Farm Estate, Laughton, BN8 6A

At its meeting on Monday 7th April 2025, Chalvington With Ripe Parish Council resolved to  maintain the previous position: NO COMMENT on the overall  application, save as to SUPPORT the proposed traffic management arrangements for the following reasons:

The Council recalled its previous stance: the site is in Laughton Parish, so no comment on the main application, save in respect of r the proposed traffic management arrangements which potentially  impacts on roads in the Parish of Chalvington with Ripe. The Council supports the proposed use of Cow Lane for construction traffic, and Dart Lanp for servicing.. Laughton PC had objected. No reason to change the previous position was identified.

RESOLVED: To maintain the previous position: NO COMMENT on the overall  application, save as to SUPPORT the proposed traffic management arrangements.

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Re: Planning Application WD/2024/2893/F - Land At Westlyn And Dairylands, Poundfield Road, Chalvington, BN27 3TQ

At its meeting on Monday 7th April 2025, Chalvington With Ripe Parish Council resolved to  SUBMIT A COMMENT supporting the replacement dwelling application at Westlyn, but expressing concerns and withholding full support for the proposed new dwelling at Dairylands due to its location impacting an open countryside gap and its visual impact/uniformity contrasting with the diverse character of Poundfield Road. The reasons are as follows:

Members noted that there are two distinct parts:

Westlyn: Replacing an unattractive house. The Applicant previously had approval to convert Westlyn into two semi-detached properties. This proposal is for one larger, well-designed, sustainable replacement dwelling. This element was viewed positively.

Dairylands: Proposing a new dwelling on land across the road, currently open green space with man-made ponds and wildlife. Numerous previous applications for residential use on this land have been refused, primarily citing undesirable development in a rural location/greenfield site. While ancillary buildings exist, the Council considered it predominantly a greenfield site. The proposed house design is similar to Westlyn, creating uniformity which contrasts with the existing diverse character of Poundfield Road. Concerns were raised about partially infilling a largely open countryside gap and the visual impact of a large new house. Partial screening with hedging is proposed.

Decision: A comment rather than outright support/objection. Support for the replacement dwelling at Westlyn was strong. Full support for the new dwelling at Dairylands was withheld due to concerns about its location in an open countryside gap and visual impact.

RESOLVED: To SUBMIT A COMMENT supporting the replacement dwelling application at Westlyn, but expressing concerns and withholding full support for the proposed new dwelling at Dairylands due to its location impacting an open countryside gap and its visual impact/uniformity contrasting with the diverse character of Poundfield Road.

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Re: Planning Application WD/2025/0514/LB - Freshfield, Chalvington Road, Chalvington, BN27 3TA

At its meeting on Monday 7th April 2025, Chalvington With Ripe Parish Council resolved to support the above planning application for the following reasons: 

Councillors noted this revised application addressed previous concerns. The proposed kitchen extension is smaller and more sympathetic, reusing timbers. Dormer window changes are improved (no UPVC). The replacement garage/shed is smaller and better proportioned. The impact on the Grade 2 listed building and setting (including hedge/tree) is now considered minimal. Heritage conditions regarding materials (e.g., glazing) would be expected.

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RE: WD/2024/2938/F- 6 Carriage Mews, Church Lane, Ripe, BN8 6EX - Dormer Window With Pair Of Opening In Doors And Iron Safety Balustrade

At their meeting on 3rd February, Chalvington With Ripe Parish Council resolved to support the above planning application.  The reasons are as follows:

Members discussed the application, noting that the applicant has permission to instal a dormer window, and wishes now instead of installing a window to instal a pair of opening doors with a safety balcony. Members were supportive of this proposal, and noted that from the road the proposed change to the building could not be seen, and from the public footpath that runs along the side of the property in an adjoining field it would only be possible to see the dormer roof, and that you would not be able to see if a window or doors were installed due to the view of the house being obstructed by the field hedge.  As such the proposal development would have little or no impact on the character of the area.

RESOLVED – To support the planning application for the reasons highlighted above. 

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WD/2025/0001/F - Church Lane, Ripe BN8 6AU - The Adaptation and Reuse Of A Redundant Barn, And The Formation Of Two New Dwellings, With Associated Parking And Landscaping Works.

At their meeting on 3rd February 2025, Chalvington With Ripe Parish Council resolved to object to the above planning application.   

These are there reasons:-

-       Aesthetically the deign of the adaptation of the barn looks better than the previous application WD/2023/1535/F.

-       There was not enough information on how the whole site was to be developed. The site is in a highly sensitive location of heritage in the village as well as being in the conservation area

-       The traffic flow figures used seemed to be dated, as related to the period 2018 to 2022.

-       Many of the objections to the previous application remain.

-       Whilst the village has some amenities, any further occupiers would be reliant on the private car and it is our opinion that due to lack of alternatives to the private car and limited facilities, the area of is not considered sustainable for new residential development, which is a material consideration.  Limited bus service in the village, 1 nursery school, but no other schools, limited employment opportunities and access to wider services. 

-       Has the applicant made every reasonable attempt to secure suitable business / farm / stables re use?  Conversion of agricultural /rural buildings are such that the PC and Wealden will give priority to small scale commercial use over residential. 

-       The area noted for development appears to be part of a bigger complex, we see no other plans or master plan for the rest of the site. We understand that the whole site is up for sale. We need to see the development plan for the whole site and other buildings, as it stands it seems like an ill-conceived development accessed via an agricultural complex, which we cannot support.

-       We would like to understand what is happening to the stables and will they continue or has the business now been closed? We note the stables were well used until recently. 

-       Alternatively a plan for local amenities could have been factored into the plans affording the community, for example, additional communal space  

-       It looks like access to the development is across a poorly finished track and wouldn’t be fit for purpose  Too little consideration has been given to sustainability and no alternative energy generation included nor ev charging in the 4 carpark spaces. 

-        Much emphasis has been put locally of infrastructure including but not limited to sewage. We would want to understand more about how this would be taken care of.

             RESOLVED – To object to the planning application for the reasons highlighted above. 

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RE:  WD/2024/2916/FR - Flock House, Church Lane, Ripe - Retrospective Application To Retain 28mm In 4 New Windows And Retain Existing Door And Frame With Fanlight Above.

At its meeting on Monday 3rd February 2025, Chalvington With Ripe Parish Council resolved to support the above planning application for the following reasons: 

-the 28mm double glazed glass in the 4 new windows was more thermally efficient than 14 mm units and less likely to fail. The new windows are small in size, They are not visible from the south, and It would not be possible to see what type of glass was installed from the road, which was 32 metres away. Also, the principle of the installation of 28mm double glazed glass is established by its use in the large front ground floor window of the house, and in the gable end of the new extension.

-The door installed matches the old door which it replaced, It is not overlooked. The fan light installed above  the new door does not make an opening higher than the previous window it replaced. The fan light also is the only means of natural light into the boot room behind, except for the small pane in the door.

RESOLVED – To support the planning application for the reasons highlighted above

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WD/2024/2870/F - Land Off Channers Lane, Ripe, Bn8 6as Description: Erection Of A Detached Dwelling With Off Road Parking.

At its meeting on Monday 13th January 2025, Chalvington With Ripe Parish Council unanimously objected to the above planning application.

The reasons are set out below:

Key Objections Raised by the Parish Council:

1. Impact on the Conservation Area:
   • The proposal would harm the historical and visual integrity of the conservation area by filling a valued gap in the streetscape and altering the rural character of the lane.
2. Design:
   • The two-storey building is too large and inappropriate in style for the setting. A more modest design would be required to align with surrounding properties.
3. Overlooking:
   • The raised site height, combined with two-storey windows, would result in intrusive overlooking into neighbouring properties and gardens.
4. Sustainability:
   • The site fails to meet the sustainability criteria outlined in national and local planning policy due to Ripe’s lack of infrastructure and services.
   • The site is located in the heart of the Ripe Conservation Area, where the intervisibility between open spaces and historical properties contributes significantly to the area's character.
   • The site was deemed unsustainable under national and local planning frameworks, including paragraph 11(d) of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
   •  
5. Parking Issues:
   • The tandem parking arrangement was deemed unsuitable and likely to create additional parking pressures on Channers Lane.
6. Planning History:
   • Repeated applications on this site have consistently failed to address objections, with previous refusals highlighting similar issues.

In summary:

• The Parish Council unanimously objected to the application. As the proposal contravenes multiple planning policies, impacts the conservation area, and raises significant concerns about design, sustainability, and the practicality of the development.

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RE: LAND AT COLBRANS FARM ESTATE, LAUGHTON, BN8 6AJ

Description: INSTALLATION OF PROPOSED SOLAR FARM, ENERGY STORAGE FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE.

Chalvington With Ripe Parish Council decided not to comment on the Planning Application but to support  the proposed access arrangements for the solar farm, subject to strict adherence to the conditions outlined in the planning application.