Agenda item - BH2013/02097 - Hove Park Depot, The Droveway, Hove - Conservation Area Consent

Demolition of existing buildings.

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Demolition of existing buildings.

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

(2)                   The Area Planning Manager, Nicola Hurley, introduced this application and gave a presentation by reference to plans, photographs and elevational drawings. The site was located between The Droveway and the Engineerium. It was noted that the application for full planning on the site had been withdrawn, and this application only sought consent for the demolition of the existing buildings on the site. The main issues related to the loss of the existing building and the impact on the Conservation Area; policy stated that buildings should be retained if they made a positive contribution to the Conservation Area; however, it was felt that in this instance the buildings did not reflect the appearance of the area or made a positive contribution. For the reasons outlined in the report the application was recommended for approval.

Questions for Officers

(3)                   In response to queries from Councillors Duncan, Carden and Hamilton in relation to the ecology on the site it was explained that the application was not part of a piecemeal application for wider aims on the site; instead the application was only concerned with the demolition of the existing buildings in the context of the Conservation Area. Whilst Officers would not normally recommend demolition, leaving an empty site, it was considered that the current buildings made no positive contribution. In relation to ecology aspects it was explained that the demolition would not have an impact on existing badger sets on the site as the sets were located in the southern part of the site away from the buildings proposed to be demolished. The Senior Solicitor, Hilary Woodward, also confirmed that badgers were protected by separate legislation, and if any were found in the process of demolition then the appropriate legislation would have to be complied with.

(4)                   It was confirmed for Councillor Sykes that some of the buildings on the site were currently in use by the Council; however, the application was only able to consider the impact of the demolition on the Conservation Area. Councillor Ken Norman continued this line of questioning and it was confirmed that if the buildings were demolished then the operation would be moved by the Council to Stanmer Nursery; any changes in relation to the use would form a separate matter from the Conservation Area Consent as they would involve ownership matters beyond the remit of the Committee.

Debate and Decision Making Process

(5)                   Councillor Duncan reiterated his concern that the approval of the demolition of the existing building would be the first stage of a larger application; he felt the application was premature and should only be considered alongside the wider application for the development of the whole site. To clarify the Senior Solicitor explained that the Planning Authority had a duty to determine applications, and the outcome of the application for Conservation Area Consent would set no precedent for any future planning application on the site.

(6)                   A vote was taken and Conservation Area consent was granted on a vote of 7 in favour with 3 abstentions.

68.2       RESOLVED – That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in paragraph 11 and resolves to GRANT conservation area consent subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report.

              Note: Councillors Littman and Wakefield were not present at the meeting.