Agenda item - BH2013/03914 - 61-107, 109-155, 206-252 Donald Hall Road & 13-59, 61-107 Bowring Way, Brighton - Full Planing

Installation of render to all elevations, replacement of existing windows and balcony doors with UPVC windows and balcony doors, new felt covering to roof and associated external alterations and landscaping to 5no blocks of flats.

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Installation of render to all elevations, replacement of existing windows and balcony doors with UPVC windows and balcony doors, new felt covering to roof and associated external alterations and landscaping to 5no blocks of flats.

(1)                   The Area Planning Manager, Nicola Hurley, introduced the application and gave a presentation by reference to photographs, plans and elevational drawings. The site related a number of tower blocks and each of the five blocks was six-storeys with a flat roof; other blocks in the wider area were also the subject of separate applications. Permission was sought for rendering and the replacement of windows and balcony doors and works to the roof; the application had been re-advertised due to change in the boundary ownership – since then there had been one additional letter of support and one additional letter of objection. The main considerations related to the appearance of the building, amenity and the impact on the natural environment. In terms of the render it was considered that this would improve the appearance of the building and the insulation would not be visible and was acceptable. Some concern had been raised in respect of slow worms and the ecologist had recommended a precautionary approach. For the reasons set out in the report the application was recommended for approval.

Questions for Officers, Debate and Decision Making Process

(2)                   In response to Councillor Duncan it was explained that the planning statement stated that the reasons for the application related to ongoing upgrading of the facilities and to improve the poor thermal performance and high fuel bills for the occupants.

(3)                   In response to Councillor K. Norman it was explained that the City Council would have considered the choice of materials as the land owner, and this was phase 3 of a wider project.

(4)                   Councillor Gilbey noted that she welcomed the improvements and would like this to be replicated across the city.

(5)                   A vote was taken and the Officer recommendation to grant planning permission was carried unanimously by the 12 Members present at the meeting.

177.13  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.