Agenda item - BH2015/01974 - Hanover Mews, Brighton -Full Planning

Installation of automatic gates across vehicular entrance into Hanover Mews and adjoining pedestrian gate across existing path.

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Ward Affected: Hanover and Elm Grove

Installation of automatic gates across vehicular entrance into Hanover Mews and adjoining pedestrian gate across existing path.

(1)             The Planning Manager – Applications (Nicola Hurley) gave a presentation by reference to photographs plans and elevational drawings. The application site related to Hanover Mews; the application had been considered by the Conservation Advisory Group who maintained a recommendation of refusal on the basis the gates were ‘too grand’.

Questions for Officers, Debate and Decision Making Process

(2)             Mr Gowans noted that the CAG felt gates of a more simple rectangular design would be more appropriate.

(3)             It was confirmed for Councillor Gilbey that the gates would be steel plated.

(4)             It was confirmed for Councillor Barradell that the gates were set back from the highway so would not cause traffic congestion whilst users waited for them open.

(5)             Councillor Littman maintained there would be a loss of amenity for the resident that had objection to the principle of the Mews being gated. It was confirmed that the application had been submitted by the management company responsible for the mews, and it was highlighted that matters relating to landownership were not a material consideration.

(6)             Councillor Barradell noted she objected on the basis that the design was inappropriate.

(7)             Councillor A. Norman noted that despite the single objection from a resident of the mews should could not see any reason to refuse the application. Officers confirmed the objection related to the principle of gated communities and read a copy of the objection to the Committee.

(8)             A vote was taken by the eleven Members presented and the Officer recommendation that the application be granted was carried on a vote of 8 in support with 3 against.

58.3       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 Gibson withdrew from the consideration of the application in line with his declaration of interest listed at Item 52 (A).