Agenda item - BH2013/01713 - 128 Church Road, Hove - Full Planning Permission

Change of use of basement and ground floor from Financial (A2) to Restaurant (A3) and Bar (A4).  Installation of new shop fronts to front and side elevations.  Part excavation to facilitate extension of basement level.  Erection of single storey rear extension with external steps and associated roof terrace. (Part Retrospective).

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Change of use of basement and ground floor from Financial (A2) to Restaurant (A3) and Bar (A4).  Installation of new shop fronts to front and side elevations.  Part excavation to facilitate extension of basement level.  Erection of single storey rear extension with external steps and associated roof terrace. (Part Retrospective).

(1)                   The Area Planning Manager, Nicola Hurley, introduced this application and gave a presentation by reference to plans, photographs and elevational drawings. The site related to a part commercial building in the Cliftonville Conservation Area; the ground floor and basement had previously been in A2 use, and a number of unauthorised works had been undertaken. The application sought the change of use to restaurant and bar; it was also noted that a similar scheme had been refused in 2012 in relation to problems with the terrace at the rear. The proposed new scheme also included the shop frontage and a rear extension, and reference was also made to matters on the Late List. The main considerations related to the impact on neighbouring amenity and the impact on the Conservation Area. It was noted that the proposed extension had been increased in length; whilst the extension would not have an impact on amenity there was concern in relation to the change of use, but Officers in Environmental Protection were satisfied subject to conditions. For the reasons set out in the report the application was recommended for approval.

Questions for Officers

(2)                   It was confirmed for Councillor Carol Theobald that there was a proposed condition to restrict vertical drinking at the premises.

(3)                   In response to Councillor Cox’s concerns in relation to smokers using the side door it was confirmed that the side door could only be used for emergency access during 2200 – 0100 hours through the recommended condition; however, Officers felt that conditioning the use of the side door for additional hours could be unreasonable, and it was noted that the area outside was public highway and it would be difficult to prevent people smoking there generally.

(4)                   It was confirmed for Councillor Gilbey that the disabled access would be at the front of the premises.

Debate and Decision Making Process

(5)                   Councillor Cox stated that the appearance would be an improvement, but had concerns that the application would create another licensed premises in this part of Hove; he appealed to the applicant and operator to be considerate of neighbours and run the premises responsibly.

(6)                   Councillor Sykes stated that he was content with the application, and felt that some of the concerns of the Committee would be addressed through the application as part of the licensing regime.

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

68.9       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 planning permission subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report.

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