Agenda item - BH2014/03426 - 361-367 Old Shoreham Road, Hove - Full Planning

Construction of a single storey front extension incorporating repositioned entrance lobby, demolition of the existing goods online building and replacement with an enlarged single storey side (west) extension, construction of a two storey (ground and mezzanine) rear/side (east) extension and installation of photovoltaic solar panels on the roof of the building.  General alterations to the layout of customer car park including 16 extra new spaces and installation of new cycle stands. Demolition of the existing petrol station and construction of a new 18 pump facility with associated retail kiosk, car wash and improved access road layout. 

RECOMMENDATION – MINDED TO GRANT

Construction of a single storey front extension incorporating repositioned entrance lobby, demolition of the existing goods online building and replacement with an enlarged single storey side (west) extension, construction of a two storey (ground and mezzanine) rear/side (east) extension and installation of photovoltaic solar panels on the roof of the building. General alterations to the layout of customer car park including 16 extra new spaces and installation of new cycle stands. Demolition of the existing petrol station and construction of a new 18 pump facility with associated retail kiosk, car wash and improved access road layout.

(1)       The Principal Planning Officer, Jason Hawkes gave a presentation by reference to photographs and plans showing the existing site and to plans and elevational drawings showing the proposed alterations to the existing Sainsbury’s store. It was explained that the development was considered to be of an appropriate scale, bulk and design and was appropriate both in the context of the existing building and the surrounding area.

(2)       It was considered that the proposed development would not cause significant harm to neighbouring amenity and that it was appropriate in terms of highway safety, landscaping and sustainability, minded to grant planning permission was therefore recommended subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report.

Questions for Officers

(3)       Councillor C Theobald sought clarification regarding relocation of the existing car wash facility. It was explained that it would move slightly from its current location and this was illustrated by reference to the submitted plans.

(4)       Councillor Randall referred to concerns expressed by the neighbouring cricket club and asked whether it was considered that there could be a danger of customers or their vehicles being hit by cricket balls.

(5)       It was explained that whilst this issue would not of itself represent sufficient grounds for recommending refusal, this had not been identified as a potential problem and the existing screening to the site would remain in place. Councillor C Theobald asked if any such accidents had been reported to date and it was confirmed that there had been none,

(6)       Councillor Wealls referred to the potential increase in the level of traffic which could generated following the proposed works, including provision of a click and collect service, enquiring whether it was considered that this could have a detrimental impact on the local infrastructure. The Principal Traffic Engineer, Steven Shaw stated that the applicant’s had provided projections for their peak periods on Friday and Saturday and these did not indicate that they would be significant.

Debate and Decision Making Process

(7)       Councillor Hyde stated that as the distance between the extended buildings and the cricket club would not change and the existing level of screening would remain unchanged she did not envisage that any problems would arise and she supported the application.

(8)       Councillor Hamilton agreed stating that he did not consider that there would be any increased risk of accidents and that the submitted proposals were acceptable.

(9)       Councillor Carden stated that he considered the application was acceptable and had no concerns in relation to it.

(10)       A vote was taken and on a vote of 11 to 1 minded to grant planning permission was given.

123.2  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 MINDED TO GRANT planning permission subject to a S 106 Agreement the Conditions and Informatives set out in section 11.