Agenda item - BH2013/04292 - 43-45 Bonchurch Road, Brighton - Full Planning

Demolition of existing building and erection of 6no flats (5 x 1 bedroom and 1 x 3 bedroom) with refuse storage.

RECOMMENDATION – MINDED TO GRANT

            Demolition of existing building and erection of 6 flats (5x1 bedroomed and 1 X3 bedroomed) with refuse storage.

(1)       The Planning Manager, Applications, Nicola Hurley gave a presentation by reference to photographs, site plans, floor plans and elevational drawings. The application as originally submitted had been for the demolition of the existing building and the erection of 8 two bedroom flats. The proposal had been amended subsequently to reduce the number of units to 7 flats, consisting of 5 two bed and two 1 bed flats. The application had also been amended further in order to reduce the bulk of the building.

(2)          As the existing building was in a poor state of repair and was not of a listable quality its demolition was not resisted. In view of the condition of the building and its location close to the Lewes Road shopping district and to individual convenience stores, the loss of retail floorspace was considered acceptable. It was considered that the scheme made efficient use of the site and achieved a level of accommodation which made redevelopment viable without adversely effecting the amenity of neighbouring residents. The applicant had sought to provide cycle and refuse storage on site, however, changes in ground levels made that difficult to achieve. Approval was therefore recommended subject to the conditions and informatives suggested and to the applicant entering into a Section 106 Agreement to make a financial contribution for on-street cycle storage together with a contribution to finance footway improvements and two years membership of the City Car Club.

Questions for Officers

(3)          Councillor Randall sought confirmation that the building would not operate as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and it was confirmed that it would not.

(4)          Councillor C Theobald sought clarification regarding the degree to which this building would be set back from its neighbours and this was shown in the context of the adjacent building.

(5)          Councillor Wells asked whether the application site was situated within the Controlled Parking Zone and it was confirmed that it was not.

Debate and Decision Making Process

(6)          Councillor Hyde stated that she considered that the design and appearance of the building which represented itself as double fronted villa was in keeping with the street scene and would provide a significant improvement to the existing building on site whilst providing much needed housing.

(7)       A vote was taken and the 11 Members of the Committee present at the meeting voted unanimously that they were minded to grant planning permission in the terms set out below.

127.7  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 that it is MINDED TO GRANT planning permission subject to a S106 agreement and the Conditions and Informatives set out in section 11 of the report.

Note: Councillor Carden was absent from the meeting during consideration of the above application and took no part in the discussion or decision making process.