Agenda item - BH2013/03774 - Portslade Town Hall, Victoria Road, Portslade - Council Development

Alterations including ramped access to East, West and South elevations, two storey extension enclosing new staircase to South elevation, change of use of first floor living accommodation to open-plan office.

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Alterations including ramped access to East, West and South elevations, two storey extension enclosing new staircase to South elevation, change of use of first floor living accommodation to open-plan office.

(1)                   The Area Planning Manager, Nicola Hurley, introduced the report and gave a presentation by reference to photographs, plans and elevational drawings. The application site related to Portslade Town Hall which was a large ‘T’ shaped building that also contained the Victoria Road Housing Office on the same site. The application was for access to the second storey open-plan office, and ramped access for disabled users. The main considerations were in relation to the principle of the loss of the single residential unit; the appearance and the transport impact. Whilst policy sought to protect residential accommodation the residential unit was at the first floor of the property and had no independent access; the unit had only previously been used for the caretaker and it was no longer considered practical to retain it in a commercial property. The main hall would be retained and the housing office would be moved into the building. The application was recommended for approval for the reasons set out in the report.

Debate and Decision Making Process

(2)                   Councillor Hamilton noted that he had previously objected to the scheme, but since then his reasons for objection had been addressed, and he was of an open mind in relation to the application.

(3)                   Councillor Gilbey noted that the loss of parking had been of concern to all the Ward Councillors in the Portslade area.

(4)                   A vote was taken and the Officer recommendation to approve permission carried on a vote a 10 in support with 1 abstention.

141.3    RESOLVED - That the Committee has taken into consideration the recommendation and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in section 11 and resolved to GRANT planning permission subject to conditions and informatives.

              Note: Councillor Duncan was not present at the meeting.