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17 September 2007
Head of Development
for the attention of Val Cheeseman
Horsham District Council
Park House, North Street
Horsham RH12 1RL
Dear Ms Cheeseman
DC/07/1895 12 NORTH PARADE,
HORSHAM,
I write on behalf of The Horsham Society to object to
this application. The Society notes that the proposals
are a) to demolish a distinctive Victorian detached
family house and b) to build a 3-story block of 12
flats on a prominent site directly facing one
Conservation Area and in the vicinity of a second
Conservation Area and an Area of Special Character.
The Society also notes that PPS3 (housing) requires
local planning authorities to consider whether a
development “creates, or enhances, a distinctive
character that relates well to the surroundings and
supports a sense of local pride and civic identity”.
the aim being to “maintain and improve the local
character”. In the opinion of the Society the proposal
fails on both counts. The demolition of this property
would be detrimental to the character of the area and
create a precedent which would almost certainly lead
over time to a reduction in the distinctive character
of this part of Horsham. Rather than demolition, the
existing property should be retained and revert to a
suitable use.
The Society cannot agree that the design meets the
high standard required by HDC policies. In particular,
the semi-detached appearance of the elevation to North
Parade results in a duality which is wholly
unresolved. The proposers’ reference to “a vernacular
look” is at odds with the prominent double doors and
balconies to the front and rear elevations and choice
of PVC windows. Although the elevations are said to be
designed to be viewed from all four sides the side
elevations do not respect the context which is
characterised by a feeling of openness. The nearness
of the building to the side boundaries and
consequently limited fenestration, together with the
large area of flat roof designed to conceal the bulk
of the building, only confirm the extent of the
over-development of the site.
Notwithstanding the merits of this particular
application, a better approach would have been an
outline application preceded by consultation with the
community.
Yours sincerely
Oliver Palmer
Vice-President, The Horsham Society
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