The Wispers Estate, Stedham
KEY FACTS
Full consent has been granted for proposals to convert the late 19th-century manor and outbuildings known as Wispers into 21 luxury homes with woodland and kitchen gardens, tennis courts and club house, swimming pool and co-working spaces. Demonstrating water neutrality was key to the successful planning outcome.
The estate was most recently used as an independent residential school but had been empty for several years. It is located in the Sussex North Water Resource Zone, where water neutrality statements need to accompany planning applications. Baseline calculations of previous water usage were needed for forecasting additional demand after occupation.
Motion provided evidence to challenge assumptions on baseline water use. The estate could have been brought back into use as a school. On this basis, historic data for previous water consumption could be applied, setting a precedent for future schemes.
It was concluded that the proposed development would not result in an increase in water demand and no offsite offsetting was required.
New and restored buildings will have water-efficient fixtures and fittings and a mitigation strategy for the swimming pool and club house will further restrict water demand.
Sustainability impact:
- Farmstead and woodland landscapes sensitively restored
- Energy-efficient design and sustainable construction
“Motion’s evidence enabled us to question the basis of a three-year limit beyond which higher water consumption cannot be taken into consideration. We asserted that, in this case, it would be unreasonable to apply the condition and Natural England eventually accepted our position.”
Peter Cleveland, Head of Planning, Henry Adams LLP
Image credit: © Re-Format LLP
