Agenda item - BH2014/03826 - The Wardley Hotel, 10 Somerhill Avenue, Hove - Full Planning

Internal alterations to facilitate increased number of bed spaces from 40 to 51 rooms. (Part Retrospective)

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Internal alterations to facilitate increased number of bed spaces from 40 to 51 rooms. (Part Retrospective)

(1)             The Planning Manager, Major Applications (Paul Vidler) introduced the application and gave a presentation with reference to plans, photographs and elevational drawings. The application site sought permission to increase the number of bedrooms from 40 to 51, but did not propose an external alterations; the applicant had submitted the application for the intensification of the use and requested the Council to determine it. The operators sought to move to a business orientated management model and had removed existing dining and communal space to provide the additional bedrooms. The application had generated a number of objections from residents; however, no objection had been raised by either Sussex Police or Environmental Health. The application was recommended for approval for the reasons set out in the report.

Questions for Officers

(2)             In response to Councillor Wares it was confirmed that there was no change of use and the permission did not cover any HMO use.

(3)             The Committee expressed some concern about the inconsistency of wording in relation to the kitchen/catering facilities provided in the rooms, and agreed to undertake a site visit to clarify the matter.

106.7    RESOLVED – That the application be deferred to allow a site visit to take place.