Agenda item - BH2014/02767, Land rear of Kingsway,Hove - Full Planning

Redevelopment of site to provide replacement retail showroom on ground floor and 8no flats on the upper floors with associated bike and bin storage and conversion of part of rear garden at 377 Kingsway into a communal garden for both 377 and 379 Kingsway.

RECOMMENDATION – MINDED TO GRANT

Ward Affected: Wish

Redevelopment of site to provide replacement retail showroom on ground floor and 8no flats on the upper floors with associated bike and bin storage and conversion of part of rear garden at 377 Kingsway into a communal garden for both 377 and 379 Kingsway.

(1)             It was noted that the Application had been the subject of a site visit prior the meeting.

(2)             The Planning Applications Manager introduced the report by reference to photographs, plans and elevational drawings. The existing site contained a two-storey building which was currently vacant. Permission was sought for demolition and redevelopment of a four-storey building with a ground floor retail unit and eight residential units. Amendments had been received during the life of the application with changes to the fenestration, and the configuration of the residential units was outlined to the Committee. Whilst there would be a loss of commercial space at the site this was balanced against the modern and better facilities that would be provided. It was considered that the site could carry the size and scale of the proposed development as this was in line with neighbouring properties and the scheme reduced in height along Errol Road to reflect the change in building heights. The residential units would be a mix of one and two-bedroom and there would be a communal garden to the rear of the development. The proposed management plan would serve to reduce noise and disturbance, and the application was recommended to be minded to grant, subject to a of s106 agreement, for the reasons outlined in the report.

Questions for Officers

(3)             In response to Councillor Mac Cafferty it was agreed it would be appropriate to propose that the materials condition be agreed by the Planning & Building Control Applications Manager in consultation with the Chair, Deputy Chair and two Group Spokespersons.

(4)             In response to Councillor Littman the access to the residential accommodation was confirmed using the plans.

(5)             It was confirmed for Councillor Barradell that the red line on the site plan related to the edge of the application site whilst the blue line was the land in ownership of the applicant.

(6)             Councillor Miller noted the comments in report that the applicant provide six-month season tickets to residents as there was no parking on the site.

(7)             In response to Councillor C. Theobald the location of the lift and the refuse storage was clarified.

Debate and Decision Making Process

(8)             Councillor Mac Cafferty highlighted his view that the scheme should use marine grade steel.

(9)             Councillor C. Theobald stated that the proposals would improve the site, but she was disappointed there was no off-street parking given the location.

(10)          Councillor Miller noted his support for the provision of the bus tickets for six-months as suggested in the report.

(11)          Councillor Mac Cafferty noted his support for the scheme – subject to the informative in relation to the materials.

(12)          A vote was taken by the ten Members present and the Officer recommendation that permission was granted was carried on a vote of 9 in support with 1 against.

18.4       RESOLVED – That the Committee has taken into consideration the Officer recommendation and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set in the report and resolves to be MINDED TO GRANT planning permission subject to the conditions in the report and the additional conditions in relation to bus permits and materials.

Note: Councillors Bennett and Robins were not present during the consideration and vote on this application.