Agenda item - BH2013/01800 - Park Manor, London Road, Brighton - Full Planning Permission

Roof extension to form 4no one bedroom flats and 2no two bedroom flats with private roof gardens and creation of 4no car parking spaces, 1no disabled car parking space and new cycle store.

RECOMMENDATION – MINDED TO GRANT

Roof extension to form 4no one bedroom flats and 2no two bedroom flats with private roof gardens and creation of 4no car parking spaces, 1no disabled car parking space and new cycle store.

(1)                   The Area Planning Manager, Nicola Hurley, introduced this application and gave a presentation by reference to plans, photographs and elevational drawings. The application site related to a seven storey block of 45 flats, and it was noted that there was already an existing permission to create an additional floor. This application proposed a similar scheme, but was considered an improvement as it provided set backs and additional glazing; additional parking would also be provided at the rear of the site for the new units. The main considerations related to the principle of the scheme; the design and highway safety. It was highlighted that the existing permission on the site could still be implemented and there similar examples of such schemes in the wider area. In terms of amenity the scheme would not impact on current or other residents and for the reasons set out in the report the application was recommended for approval.

Questions for Officers

(2)                   It was confirmed for Councillor Duncan that the application was not an outline permission, and much of the detail in the report and the proposed s106 was in line with similar applications of this nature.

(3)                   The Area Planning Manager confirmed the location of the additional parking space for Councillor Ken Norman.

(4)                   It was confirmed for Councillor Sykes that the level of sustainability was in line with guidance.

(5)                   It was confirmed for Councillor Carol Theobald that there were two lifts in the building, but it was not known if they both served the whole of the building.

Debate and Decision Making Process

(6)                   Councillor Carol Theobald stated that she did not like the scheme, and drew attention to the 94 letters of objection from residents. She did not feel it was right to build on top of existing flats and noted that the current resident did not want the scheme.

(7)                   Councillor Ken Norman noted that he did not agree with this type of proposal in general. He noted the number of objections and stated this type of development was unethical and he would not support the Officer recommendation.

(8)                   A vote was taken and planning permission was granted on a vote of 7 to 3.

68.14    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.