Agenda item - BH2015/00195, 132 Longhill Road, Brighton - Full Planning

Erection of 1no two bedroom detached dwelling with detached garage and 1no three bedroom detached dwelling with revised access from Wanderdown Road, Brighton with associated landscaping and works.

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Ward Affected: Rottingdean Coastal

Erection of 1no two bedroom detached dwelling with detached garage and 1no three bedroom detached dwelling with revised access from Wanderdown Road, Brighton with associated landscaping and works.

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

(2)          The Planning Manager (Applications), Nicola Hurley, introduced the application and gave a presentation by reference to photographs, plans and elevational drawings. It was explained the application site comprised a vacant plot of land located on the south side of Wanderdown Road, which had formerly comprised a bungalow and garage however both buildings had now been demolished. The site immediately to the rear at 128 Longhill Road had recently been redeveloped with four houses (no.128, 128a, 130 & 130a) set in two rows of two. Further back land developments at 118a, 122 & 136 Longhill Road sat adjacent to the north and south of the site. Access to the site was via a driveway from Longhill Road that ran alongside 134 Longhill Road and also served the four new dwellings at 128 Longhill Road.

(3)          It was reiterated that the recent refusal which had been dismissed at appeal was relevant, plans, and elevational drawings highlighting the differences between the refused scheme and the current application were displayed. It was noted that a further representation received in relation to access arrangements onto the site had been set out in the “Additional Representations List” as had the officer response to them. Further clarification of this matter had been possible during the course of the site visit the previous afternoon. A response had been received from the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service confirming that they had no objections subject to the installation of sprinkler systems.

(4)          The main considerations in determining the application related to the design and appearance of the proposed development and its impact on the street scene, impact on the amenities of adjacent occupiers, the standard of accommodation to be provided and sustainability and transport issues. It was considered that the proposed development was of a suitable layout, scale and design that would complement the character of the surrounding area and would have an acceptable impact on the amenities of adjacent properties, in accordance with development plan policies. Approval was therefore recommended.

              Questions for Officers

(5)          Councillor Miller referred to the turning circle available enquiring whether it would be sufficient to accommodate delivery vehicles. The Principal Transport Officer, Steven Shaw responded that this would be sufficient for use by a standard size car using forward gear and that this was considered adequate in that location.

              Debate and Decision Making Process

(6)          As there were no further questions or matters of debate a vote was taken and on a vote of 7 to 4 planning permission was granted.

45.1       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.

Note: Councillor Gilbey was not present when the above application was considered and voted on.