Kingston Parish is within the South Downs National Park and the Authority (SDNPA) is responsible for all planning issues, although the processing of all but major schemes is subcontracted to Lewes District Council. Kingston Parish Council is invited to comment as Consultee to most applications.
The map below contains information on the current planning applications under review by the Parish Council.
Full details of the applications can be seen via the pins on the map (approximate locations):
Red pins – current applications with unexpired deadlines for comments
Yellow pins – current applications with expired deadline for comments but still awaiting decision
If you hover over the red and yellow pins with the mouse cursor you see a brief description of the submitted application or alternatively click on it and you will be taken directly to the South Downs National Park Authority website where you can view the full set of plans and also submit your own comments.
For details of all other past applications please visit the SDNPA planning section of their website hereby clicking here
SDNP/20/04806/HOUS Furlong Down, Ashcombe Lane
Erection of building to the front for use as a home office. Closing date for comment 10/02/2021. KPC responded "KPC has no objection to this application but requests that the office is appropriately screened with either a native hedge or similar, in keeping with the surroundings, so that it is not too visible from the road and pavement." Application in progress.
SDNP/21/00020/FUL Lewes Garden Centre, Newhaven Road
Extension to existing garden centre to provide improved cafe and outdoor seating area, new warehouse space, enclosure and extension of existing garden centre sales area and erection of new garden centre concession units and other minor improvement works. KPC responded "Kingston Parish Council appreciates the aims and objectives of this application - that is economic, social and environmental - and the wish to modernise the current garden centre whilst keeping the same scale and not encroaching onto undeveloped land. However, there is concern about some increase in traffic - 3 concession spaces comprising 502sq m are proposed to be built at the rear of the garden centre. It is not clear what would be sold in these spaces and how much additional traffic will come to these units. Although 3 extra spaces will be provided in the car park, there are also 24 additional ( full time equivalent) staff who are likely to need car park spaces. Although cycling, walking and use of public transport is to be encouraged, the Transport Statement admits that “the private car is likely to continue to be the default mode of travel for the majority of trips to the site location”. Moreover, there is no grass verge on the side of the road where the garden centre is situated, and any pedestrians find access extremely hazardous. It is not clear why it is felt necessary to remove 7 trees from outside the main entrance - especially since the application states that further tree planting will be accommodated along the frontage of the road. Currently, the trees nicely frame the garden centre entrance and screen the car park. Certainly the garden centre has to be well signed but not at the expense of foliage. The attention to the lighting is appreciated, and it is understood that, to protect the dark sky, the external lighting will switch off at curfew - is it possible to define “ curfew”? Finally, there is concern about increased pressure, by additional footfall, on wastewater. Nearby properties have had foul water in their gardens ( most recently in December 2920) connected with blockages in the region of the garden centre. It would be appreciated if this could continue to be investigated with Southern Water in order to improve the situation which could be exacerbated by additional use of the toilet facilities in the garden centre. The current industrial ventilator at the south side of the site has caused a nuisance to the neighbouring property, The Elms, for some years. The current proposal suggests two MHVR systems at the same part of the site. It is felt that not only will these be noisy but will also discharge fumes and stale air into the neighbouring property, affecting wellbeing of the neighbours and their animals. Could consideration be given to re-siting these ventilators so that neighbouring properties are not affected. Application in progress.
SDNP/21/00809/HOUS Castle Mead, Newhaven Road
Erection of extension to existing garage to front, including first floor above, single storey extensions to front porch and rear, and various alterations. KPC has "No Comment" to make on this application. Application in progress.
SDNP/21/00025/LIS Hyde Cottage, The Street
Renovations and alterations, including repair or replacement windows, removal of redundant chimney and part removal of internal wall. KPC has "No Comment" to make on this application. Application in progress.
SDNP/21/01765/CND Farthings, Ashcombe Lane
Application to vary condition 1 (Approved plans) of application SDNP/20/00153/FUL to amend the approved plans. KPC responded "Kingston Parish Council strongly objects to this application to reposition the chalet bungalow from the site agreed by the planning permission given in ref SDNP/20/00153/FUL. It appears that the applicant has been casual and cursory in applying the agreed planning permissions, to the extent that, according to local knowledge the property is being built 2.6 metres away from the site that was given permission. The applicant states that the incorrect positioning of the building is due to the lack of clear boundary demarcation on the original plan. They also state that there was an original fence line when, according to neighbours who have lived next to the site for over 30 years, there was only a bank of earth with trees. The applicant also states that the proposed repositioning will cause no impact to the streetscape or to the amenity of the occupiers of adjacent properties. This is incorrect. The new house is now a big part of the view from 1 The Flints, blocking direct sunlight for two hours in the morning to the only window in the kitchen. If it had been built 2.6 metres closer to Ashcombe Lane this would not be an issue. It also means more privacy loss in the back garden of 1 The Flints. While the issue of vegetation and trees do not form part of this application, the fact that the decision on planning application SDNP/20/04642/DCOND did not agree that the conditions had been discharged but instead agreed to the vast majority of the vegetation being removed, and being replaced by a 1.8 metre fence with suggested trees being planted behind the fence, has caused a great deal of alarm and concern. The original decision stated that “the substantial hedge to the boundary with the unmade road is to be maintained and managed”. Instead, the area has been decimated, which has completely destroyed the history of this corner. It is difficult to see how planners can ignore previous recommendations, with the resulting loss of the character of this corner and the unmade road." Application in progress
SDNP/21/00803/HOUS 4 Kent Fields
Single storey extension at the rear, dormer to front slope and two dormers to rear. KPC has "No Comment" to make on this application. Application in progress.
SDNP/21/01749/HOUS/LIS Manor Barn, The Street
Replacement of 4no softwood windows at first floor level on the south east elevation. Kingston parish Council has No Comment to make on this application. KPC has "No Comment" to make on this application. Application in progress.
SDNP/21/02685/FUL West Laine House, Church Lane
Erection of a five bedroom detached dwelling. Closing date for comments 21 June 2021
