Agenda item - BH2013/01110 - Wholesale Market, Circus Street, Brighton - Full Planning Permission

Change of use for temporary period of two years from wholesale market (sui generis) to mixed use scheme consisting of community garden (D2), arts and cultural activities (D1) and business enterprise pods (B1) for local start up firms, incorporating removal of part of roof structure to allow for provision of community garden.

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Change of use for temporary period of two years from wholesale market (sui generis) to mixed use scheme consisting of community garden (D2), arts and cultural activities (D1) and business enterprise pods (B1) for local start up firms, incorporating removal of part of roof structure to allow for provision of community garden.

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

(2)                   The Case Officer (Kathryn Boggiano) introduced the application and gave a presentation by reference to plans, photographs and elevational drawings. The site related to the former wholesale fruit and vegetable market that had been vacant for 7 years, the site was also a strategic site in the emerging City Plan. The Milner flats were located to the rear at a much higher level due to the gradient of the land, and the rear windows of the flats overlooked the roof of the site. The application included a screened community garden; B1 use start-up units – for use no more than 85 days a year, and urban water into the site. Over the community garden there would be a section of open roof requiring the removal of existing roof panels. There had been no objections from technical consultees, and most of the objections related to noise and disturbance; however, there had already been two previous approvals for similar uses and therefore the principle was deemed acceptable, and it was noted that the application for only for a two year consent. Due to the close proximity of the Milner flats there were a number of recommended conditions to control noise; in particular any amplified music would need to have an accompanying management scheme. Subject to these conditions Officers were satisfied that the impact was acceptable and could be properly controlled. The transport impact was acceptable, and it was felt the community use was beneficial without prejudicing the long term aspiration of the wider site. For the reasons set out in the report the application was recommended for approval.

Questions for Officers, Debate and Decision Making Process

(3)                   It was confirmed for Councillor Randall that Officers had taken the views of Environmental Protection on board and granted the hours of use in line with their recommendations.

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

31.3       RESOLVED – That the Committee had taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in the section 11 of the report and the polices and guidance in section 7 of the report and resolves to GRANT planning permission subject to the Conditions and Informatives set out in section 11 of the report.