45 homes approved for Small Dole village

Horsham District Council approved an outline application for 45 homes west of Shoreham Road in Small Dole on January 20, and at least 16 of the homes will be classed as affordable; the application was approved by ten votes to three.

The Horsham District Council planning committee approved an outline application for 45 homes on land west of Shoreham Road in Small Dole on January 20. The application was submitted by Wates Development and includes at least 16 homes designated as affordable, plus plans for a new junction and pedestrian access from the A2037. The scheme also proposes new footpaths linking north to New Hall Lane and south to the existing footpath. The decision comes amid local concern about services, traffic and wildlife and follows other planning activity affecting the small village. Key details: - The outline application by Wates Development for land west of Shoreham Road was approved by the planning committee on January 20. - At least 16 of the 45 homes are described as affordable in the proposal. - The committee vote on the application was ten in favour and three against; a separate motion to refuse was voted down eight to three with two abstentions. - The council received 39 letters objecting, citing infrastructure limits, traffic impacts and potential harm to wildlife including owls, nightingales, buzzards, hedgehogs, foxes, bats, deer and rabbits. - Wates said the proposals include public open space, micro allotments, play areas and homes described as net zero ready; the application reference is DC/25/1019. Summary: The approval advances the outline planning permission for the site and may lead to more detailed proposals from the developer. Small Dole, which has a population under 800 and several other applications approved or in the pipeline, has seen local concern about services and wildlife. Undetermined at this time.