Agenda item - BH2012/03813 - Units 1-5 Ground Floor & Unit 1 First Floor, Waterfront, Brighton Marina - Full Planning

Change of Use from retail (A1) on ground floor and drinking establishment (A4) on first floor to restaurant (A3).

Recommendation – GRANT

Change of Use from retail (A1) on ground floor and drinking establishment (A4) on first floor to restaurant (A3).

(1)                   It was noted that this application had formed the subject of a site visit prior to the meeting.

(2)                   The Senior Planning Officer, Anthony Foster, introduced the application and gave a presentation by reference to plans photographs and elevational drawings. The site was located in the Marina, and fell outside of the designated shopping area there. It comprised five retail units at ground floor level and a single unit at first floor level to the West of the main access roundabout at the Marina. Three of the units were currently occupied and the rest were vacant. The application did not propose any external alterations to the units, and it was noted these and neighbouring units had been vacant for some time – some since they had built. The application site was not benefited by natural passing trade and it was felt the proposed use was appropriate. A condition had been attached to only allow alcohol sales to take place with food sales only. The application was recommended for approval for the reasons set out in the report.

Questions for Officers

(3)                   In response to Councillor Carol Theobald the units currently in use were highlighted.

Debate and Decision Making Process

(4)                   Councillor Bowden stated he felt the units were an example of poor architecture and damaged the viability of the units, and this application would help bring them into use.

(5)                   Councillor Hyde noted her support of the comments made by Councillor Bowden, and stated she would support the Officer recommendation.

(6)                   A vote was taken and planning permission was unanimously granted.

168.3    RESOLVED – That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation, and the policies and guidance set out in the report and resolves to GRANT planning permission subject to the Conditions and Informatives in the report.