Agenda item - BH2014/01015 - 12 Mallory Road, Hove - Full Planning

Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of five bedroom dwelling, detached outhouse in rear garden and associated works.

Ward: Hove Park

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

- Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of five bedroom dwelling, detached outhouse in rear garden and associated works.

(1)          The Area Planning Manager (Nicola Hurley) gave a presentation detailing the scheme by reference to site plans (which included the outbuilding), block plans and elevational and sectional drawings and the roof plan. Reference was made to the letters of objection received from the two Local Ward Councillors.

(2)       The proposed two storey dwelling would replace a lower (existing) chalet bungalow in a street of individually styled two storey dwellings. It was considered that in this location the scale of the proposed dwelling reflected the general scale of development in the area and would add to the diversity of building styles. Conditions were proposed to ensure that the north side wall was painted to reflect light and erection of an obscure panel to the side of the rear terrace and on that basis it was not considered that the proposed development would adversely impact on the amenities of the occupiers of neighbouring properties and approval was therefore recommended.

            Questions of Officers

(3)       Councillor Cox requested to see “before” and “after” images showing the current appearance of the dwelling on the site and on completion.

(4)       Councillor Pissaridou enquired regarding the use of the outbuilding and whether permission was required for this use. The Development Control Manager explained that as the outbuilding would be ancillary to the main house and its future use could not be speculated upon and would not constitute grounds for refusal.

(5)       Councillor Hyde contended that if it was intended that the outbuilding would include a shower room, that would not be ancillary to the main house enquiring whether a condition relating to permitted development rights should be added. The Legal Adviser to the Committee (Hilary Woodward), clarified the outbuilding would not be incidental to the main dwelling house, there was a difference between “ incidental” and an “ancillary” use and an appropriate condition should be added to any permission granted to ensure that use of the outbuilding was ancillary to use of the dwelling.

(6)       Councillor Wealls sought clarification whether both of the neighbouring properties would be equidistant from the new development. It was confirmed that one would be closer, however there was adequate spacing between the plots.

(7)       Councillor Hyde enquired regarding the roofline of the proposed development, it was confirmed that it would have a gable rather than a pitched roof. Councillor C Theobald enquired whether the proposed development would be higher than its neighbours. It was confirmed that it would be higher than number 10 but not number 14.

Debate and Decision Making Process

(8)       Councillor Hyde stated that she considered the proposed roof slope would be inappropriate particularly as it would be metal clad, considering that would be completely out of keeping with the neighbouring dwellings and the prevailing street scene.

(9)       Councillor C Theobald concurred stating that she considered it regrettable that it was proposed to replace the existing dwelling. She  considered the building currently on site to be of more sympathetic appearance with its neighbours than the proposed form of development.

(10)     A vote was taken and of the 11 Members present when the vote was taken planning permission was granted on a vote of 9 to 2.

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

            Note: Councillor Jones was not present at the meeting when the vote was taken.