Agenda item - BH2013/02591 - 7 College Road, Brighton - Removal or Variation of Condition

Application for removal of condition 4 of application BH2006/03056 (Conversion of dwelling into two 1 bed flats and one 2 bed flat) which states that no development shall take place until details of arrangements to ensure the development shall remain genuinely car free at all times have been agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. 

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Application for removal of condition 4 of application BH2006/03056 (Conversion of dwelling into two 1 bed flats and one 2 bed flat) which states that no development shall take place until details of arrangements to ensure the development shall remain genuinely car free at all times have been agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. 

(1)                   The Senior Planner, Kate Brocklebank, introduced the application and gave a presentation by reference to photographs, plans and elevational drawings. A verbal update was provided since the closure of the Late List in relation to an additional letter of objection from no. 25 College Road. The application site comprised a four storey building that had been granted permission to become four units in 2006; that permission had sought to restrict the two new units to being car free. The application sought the removal of the car free condition as the occupiers had been able to purchase parking permits since the permission had been granted due to an administrative error on the part of the Council that had only recently come to light. It was considered that the potential harm had dissipated into the local area in the last few years, and could not warrant a reason for refusal. For the reasons outlined in the report the application was recommended for approval.

Questions for Officers, Debate and Decision Making Process

(2)                   It was confirmed for Councillor Cox that there was not currently a waiting list for permits in the zone.

(3)                   In response to Councillor Davey it was explained that work had been undertaken to ensure such a mistake would not be repeated in future, but the particulars of the case had been complicated as some units in the building had been remained able to apply for permits whilst others had not.

(4)                   Councillor Davey noted that the Committee had little other choice then to grant the application.

(5)                   It was confirmed to Councillor Cox that the value of the properties was not material to the application.

(6)                   A vote was taken and planning permission was granted with 10 in support and 1 abstention.

92.9       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: Councillor Duncan was not present during the consideration and vote on the application.