Agenda item - BH2014/03546,The Compound, Northease Close, Hove-Full Planning

            Demolition of existing buildings and erection of 2 no four bedroom houses (C3) with detached garages, cycle parking and landscaping.

(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 plans, photographs and elevational drawings and aerial views of the site. It was noted that the application site related to a builders yard The application site related to a builder’s yard known as The Compound, located off Northease Close. The site was enclosed, surrounded by residential properties and included single-storey buildings used as offices and for storage associated with the use of the site. The buildings were sited adjacent the north, south and eastern boundaries. The site also included skips for building waste and a central parking and loading area.  Due to the topography of the site, the houses to the north on Gleton Avenue were at a higher ground level. The houses on Gleton Avenue were two-storey detached dwellings. The houses to the south of the site at West Way were set at a lower ground level than the application site and were also two-storey dwellings. The dwellings on Northease Close were detached bungalows in a cul-de-sac.

(3)          The main considerations in the determination of this application related to the loss of the existing use and the principle of residential use, whether the scheme was appropriate in terms of its design and appearance, its impact on the amenity of adjacent properties, highway considerations, sustainability, land contamination, standard of accommodation and impact on trees. It was considered that the development was of an appropriate height, scale, bulk and design and would fit in with the character of the area. The development would not cause significant harm to neighbouring amenity by way of loss of light, privacy or outlook, or increased overshadowing, noise or disturbance and was also appropriate in terms of highway safety and sustainability and approval was therefore recommended.

              Public Speakers and Questions

(4)          Ms Neadley spoke on behalf of objectors to the proposed scheme. She referred to visuals which she had prepared showing the application site in relation to her neighbouring property. The proposal would be overbearing and would have a detrimental impact on the availability of natural light to her property and to other neighbours. The scheme would be overbearing oppressive and would have a negative impact on amenity.

(5)          Mr Bareham spoke on behalf of the applicants in support of their application. He explained that the proposed use would result in a small reduction in traffic movements onto the site. Due to the gradient of the site whilst the properties would be visible they would not be overbearing, would improve the appearance of the site by replacing the existing hard standing with gardens.

              Questions for Officers

(6)          Councillor Mac Cafferty sought clarification whether due to gradients across the site the neighbouring properties were set at a higher level than the site itself and the height of the boundary fences. He also asked for clarification whether daylight studies were required in relation to smaller schemes and it was confirmed they were not. In answer to questions officers confirmed that they were unable to verify the accuracy of the visuals provided by the objector.

(7)          Councillor Barradell, requested to see sections of the site indicating the location of the northern most buildings on the site in order to satisfy herself regarding the potential impact of the development on sunlight to the existing properties neighbouring the site.

              Debate and Decision Making Process

(8)          The Committee then moved directly to the vote. A vote was taken and on a vote of 8 to 4 planning permission was granted.

45.8       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.