Agenda item - BH2014/02176 - Varndean College, Surrenden Road, Brighton - Full Planning

Retention of existing temporary classrooms for a further period of five years. (Retrospective)

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Retention of existing temporary classrooms for a further period of five years. (Retrospective)

(1)             The Area Planning Manager gave a presentation by reference to photographs, plans and elevational drawings. The surrounding area was playing fields, and the main buildings on the site dated back to the 1930s. There had been numerous applications over time, and the application sought to retain the temporary classrooms for a further five years – with the current permission expiring in February 2015. No change to the current configuration was proposed, and the key issues related to the need; the impact on amenity and the loss of the open space. Permission had been granted in 2009 for the demolition of the site, but this had not been implemented and the college had instead sought to manage their existing buildings. The classrooms were critical space for the college, and they were not considered over dominant. It was acknowledged that the classrooms were not a permanent solution, but their removal would create a significant deficit of space at the college. For the reasons outlined in the report the application was recommended for approval.

(2)             A vote was taken by the 12 Members and the Officer recommendation that planning permission be granted was carried unanimously.

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