Agenda item - BH2014/03755, Land rear of Regency Court, Withdean Rise, Brighton - Full Planning

Erection of 9no single garages.

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Ward Affected: Withdean

Erection of 9no single garages.

(1)          The Principal Planning Officer, Guy Everest, gave a presentation by reference to site photographs, elevational drawings and the proposed landscape plan.

(2)          It was explained that Planning permission was being sought for the construction of 9 additional garages. The garages would be single-storey with flat roofs and would follow the line of the existing garages with 5 garages on the south side and 4 garages on the north side. The applicant had stated that the garages would be offered to the residents of Regency Court and Park Manor. The scheme also included seating for residents at the end of the proposed garages. This application was a resubmission of a previous approval for 9 garages on the site (ref: BH2011/02570). The previous approval had now expired. The current scheme was the same as that previously approved in 2011.The main considerations in the determining the application related to the appearance of the garages in relation to the site and surrounding area, the impact of the scheme on residential amenity, highway safety and parking, impact on trees and archaeological considerations.

(3)          It was not considered that the proposal would have a significant impact on local parking, highway safety or the amenities of the occupiers of adjacent properties. It was also considered acceptable in terms of its design and appearance in relation to the existing development on site and the surrounding area. Subject to an acceptable Arboricultural Method Statement, landscaping scheme and Archaeological Programme of Works, the scheme was also deemed appropriate in terms of its impact on potential archaeological finds and trees adjacent and on the site. Approval was therefore recommended subject to the wording of Condition 6 being amended.

              Questions of Officers

(4)          Councillor Simson sought clarification regarding the site location in relation to Regency Court and also to Manhatten Court which appeared to be located in closer proximity to the proposed garage development. It was explained that the proposed development was connected to Regency Court by virtue of land ownership.

(5)          Councillor C Theobald enquired whether the garages were being provided for residents of Regency Court and it was confirmed that they were.

(6)          Councillor Mac Cafferty, the Chair sought clarification regarding the age and condition of trees on the site and attention was drawn to the comments received from the arboriculturist.

(7)          Councillor C Theobald asked whether any of the trees which provided screening between the blocks of flats and the adjacent railway line were to remove and it was confirmed that they would not. It was confirmed that conditions would be applied to ensure that they were protected during the course of the building works.

(8)          A vote was taken and on a vote of 10 with 1 abstention, the 11 Members present at the meeting voted that planning permission be granted.

177.6    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. Condition 6 to be amended to read:

              (6) No development shall commence until an Arboricultural Method Statement regarding the protection of a large Sycamore tree and other trees on the railway embankment has been submitted to, and approved in writing by, the Local Planning Authority. The statement shall be in accordance with BS5837 (2005) Trees in relation to construction and will include protection of roots. The development shall be carried out in strict accordance with the agreed details.

              Reason: This pre-commencement condition is imposed because it is necessary to protect and prevent damage to the trees which are to be retained on the adjoining site, in the interest of the visual amenities of the area and to comply with policies QD1 and QD16 of the Brighton & Hove Local Plan.

              Note 1: Councillor Davey was not present at the meeting during consideration of or voting on the above application

Note2 : Councillor Kennedy abstained from voting in respect of the above application.