Planning approval secured for multiple sites in Easebourne
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Planning approval secured for multiple sites in Easebourne

Published on 3 May 2023

On behalf of our client, Metis Homes and after three years of hard work, JTP is delighted that South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) planning committee voted unanimously in favour for the resolution to grant planning permission for three sites in Easebourne, including Cowdray Works Yard, Egmont Road and the former Easebourne Primary School.

Former Easebourne Primary School site

The Vision for the three sites is for the sympathetic evolution of Easebourne which respects the unique built and natural environment of the village and national park, by embracing a landscape-led approach to placemaking. The sites have been carefully considered through extensive pre-application discussions with SDNPA to ensure they all stitch together holistically as a single intervention in Easebourne.

Across the three sites, 58 homes will be provided including 20 affordable homes and five that have been designed to Passivhaus standards. Homes will range from one bedroom apartments up to four bedroom family homes, all with bespoke designs inspired and influenced by the richness and variation found in the settlement and streets of Easebourne. The proposals also include listed building consent for the conversion of the school building of the former primary school which will be revived and feature three new apartments.

Alongside the new dwellings, Cowdray Works Yard will also include the addition of 1000 sqm of commercial space to create a further offer of mixed-uses.

Egmont Road site

The retention and enhancement of the existing green infrastructure, with new public open space, landscaping and pedestrian connectivity have guided the designs of all three neighbourhoods. Each site layout aims to maximise opportunities for landscaping with pockets of new planting and green corridors for both wildlife and residents. Significant biodiversity net gain will be achieved at all three sites as well as a bespoke and impressive solution for water neutrality.

Following in-depth analysis of each site and the wider Easebourne context, four distinct character areas were defined. Each character area can be identified by the site layout and architectural approach derived from extensive contextual studies of the surrounding area. Varying roofscapes, materials, key detailing, openings and decorative brickwork will add variety and depth to the streetscape, and the range of treatments that form the boundaries to spaces and dwellings.

An extensive consultation and community engagement process invited the local community to view and comment on planning proposals for the Easebourne sites as part of an online public consultation.

“
This is a momentous triumph to have achieved planning approval at three separate sites in Easebourne in the heart of the South Downs National Park. We couldn’t be prouder of this collaborative team effort to get these schemes approved at planning committee and look forward to the next stages in the evolution of Easebourne.
Dominic Chapman, Partner at JTP
Cowdray Works Yard site