Agenda item - BH2013/02995 - 131 Islingword Road, Brighton - Full Planning

Conversion of existing public house (A4) to form 1no two bed and 1no three bed dwelling including erection of new front garden wall, formation of  light wells to front and rear elevations, alterations to fenestration and associated works.

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Conversion of existing public house (A4) to form 1no two bed and 1no three bed dwelling including erection of new front garden wall, formation of  light wells to front and rear elevations, alterations to fenestration and associated works.

(1)                   The Area Planning Manager, Nicola Hurley, introduced the application and gave a presentation by reference to plans, photographs and elevational drawings. The application site related to a two storey building with authorised use as a public house; permission was sought for the conservation into a two bedroom house and a three bedroom house which would include a new boundary wall treatment; new lightwells and alterations to the fenestration. The main considerations related to the principle of the conversion; the impact of the works and the impact on amenity and sustainable transport. The public house was in community use and policy HO20 stated that such premises could serve as an important community function; however, the building was one of many public houses in close proximity and the loss was not considered contrary to policy – the proposed use was also acceptable. The size of the units was acceptable, and the potential noise and disturbance was not considered to be greater than the current use. For the reasons set out in the report the application was recommendation for approval.

Questions from Officers

(2)                   It was confirmed for Councillor Hyde that the detailing on the front of the original public house would remain.

(3)                   In response to Councillor Theobald it was confirmed that Officers were satisfied that the application was in compliance with policy HO20.

Debate and Decision Making Process

(4)                   Councillor Carol Theobald stated that it was a pity to lose the public house, and she would not support the Officer recommendation as she was against such closures.

(5)                   Councillor Hamilton noted that where businesses were not viable they could not keep on going, and he made reference to closures in his own Ward; he added that many premises now tried to diversify their businesses with a wider food offer.

(6)                   In discussion of the community asset register it was clarified by the Senior Solicitor, Hilary Woodward, that the legislation was primarily concerned with allowing communities to purchase important assets, and might lack the impetus the Committee were discussing.

(7)                   A vote was taken and planning permission was granted on a vote of 6 to 3 with 1 abstention.

105.3    RESOLVED – That the Committee has taken into consideration the recommendation and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in paragraph 11 and resolves to GRANT planning permission.

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