Agenda item - BH2014/04293 - Flamingo, 4 Hill Brow, Hove - Full Planning

Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of 3no five bedroom houses with associated parking and landscaping.

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

(1)          It was noted that this application had been the subject of a site visit prior to the meeting.

(2)          The Area Planning Manager gave a detailed presentation by reference to photographs site plans and elevational drawings showing the configuration of the site and its topography in relation to the neighbouring properties. Permission was requested for demolition of the existing dwelling and erection of 3 five bedroom houses with associated parking and landscaping. It was considered that the proposed development would make efficient and effective use of the site. The height, design and bulk of the proposed dwellings would not compromise the quality of the local environment including the Hill Brow and Hill Drive street scenes. The standard of accommodation provided is considered acceptable and adequate private usable amenity space provided. Subject to the compliance with attached conditions the scheme would comply with the requirements for sustainability, waste management, parking standards and refuse and recycling storage. In addition, subject to the compliance with conditions, it is considered that the new residential properties would not have a significant adverse impact upon the amenities of neighbouring properties. Approval was therefore recommended.

Public Speaker(s) and Questions

(3)          Councillor Bennett spoke in her capacity as a Local Ward Councillor setting out her opposition to the proposed scheme and those of her ward colleague, Councillor Brown. Councillor Bennett also read out a statement prepared by neighbouring objectors setting out their objections and concerns in relation to the proposed development. They considered that such large properties represented over development and would have a detrimental impact and result in significant loss of amenity and overlooking of the neighbouring residential properties.

(4)          Huw James spoke on behalf of the applicants in support of their scheme. He stated that the proposed development respected the changes in level across the site and would replace the existing very large ugly building with three replacements which were of a more sympathetic scale and were evenly spaced across the site.

Questions for Officers

(5)          Councillor Cox sought clarification of the configuration of the proposed dwellings by reference to photographs of the site and contextual drawings

(6)          Counillor Norman sought clarificaton of the configuration of the building on plot 1 by reference to the relevant visuals.

(7)          Councillor Littman enquired as to the height of the proposed dwellings in relation to the existing neighbouring buildings.

(8)          In answer to questions by Councillor Hamilton the distance between the new houses and to 63 Hill Drive was confirmed.

Debate and Decision Making Process

(9)          Councillor Hyde sought further clarification of the location of the proposed dwellings to neighbouring gardens and the height and juxtaposition of boundary screening. Councillor Hyde stated that she had some concerns that some overlooking and loss of amenity to neighbouring dwellings could result. Councillor Norman shared those concerns, as did Councillor Cox.

(10)       Councillor Gilbey stated that she considered that the proposals represented a more appropriate use of the site and were acceptable.

(11)       Councillor Phillips stated that she agreed with the officer’s recommendations and would be voting  in support of the proposals.

(12)       A vote was taken and on a vote of 9 to 2 with 1 abstention planning permission was granted.

43.6       RESOLVED - That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in section 11 and the policies and guidance in section 7 of the report and resolves to GRANT planning permission subject to the Conditions and Informatives set out in section 11.