Eco-camping retreat given go-ahead

Mid Sussex District Council’s planning committee B met last night (March 9) at the Council Chamber, in Haywards Heath, to formally approve the application on land at Pinks Wood, off Bishopstone Lane.

The camping retreat would be open for the summer months between March 31 and September 30 each year.

The planing permission sought to change the use of the site into a seven pitch camping retreat.

It also sought to convert the existing woodland store to provide a mixed use building, including a toilet, washing facilities, an area for educational purposes and a single bedroom for security staff.

The application has received 13 letters of support, including two from local businesses.

Most committee members expressed support for the application but Councillor Pru Moore, conservative for the Leylands ward, raised concerns about waste disposal on site.

She said: “I just have one question for the officer. What will be done with the waste that will inevitably build up, how is that going to be managed? For me that is quite important.”

Case officer Anna Hilditch replied: “Nothing should be planned for the waste disposal until the application is approved.

“We will speak with the Environment Agency and take advice from them.

“We have covered all bases and will ensure that waste will be properly disposed of.”

Mrs Hilditch also confirmed that the single bedroom will be solely occupied by security or management staff of the site and allowing any other person to stay in it would be a breach of the planning application.

Ansty Parish Council said the accommodation should be tied to the business.

Members voted unanimously in favour to grant planning permission for the camping retreat.

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