Agenda item - BH2016/01414 - Unit 4 Home Farm Business Centre, Home Farm Road, Brighton - Full Planning

Change of use from light/general industrial (B1c/B2) to offices (B1a).

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Ward Affected: Holingdean & Stanmer

Change of use from light/general industrial (B1c/B2) to (B1a).

(1)          The Planning Officer, Stewart Glassar gave a presentation detailing the scheme by reference to site plans, a floor plan and photographs. It was explained that the application was considered to be “major” due the size of the unit rather than the complexity of the proposals. The existing occupier of Unit 3 was intending to refit and use this unit in conjunction with their existing business use.

(2)          It was explained that the main consideration in determining the application was whether the change of use accorded with planning policy and whether the change of use could have a detrimental impact upon amenity. Sustainability and Highways issues had also required consideration.

(3)          The change of use was considered to be acceptable in principle as a Class B1 use would be in accordance with Policy CP3 of the City Plan. The external changes to the building to enable this use to take place had previously been agreed and as the building was already capable of being used for light and general industrial purposes allowing office/research and development/light industrial uses this would not prejudice the amenity of any of the adjoining sites or wider area. The Highway Authority had raised no objection and approval was therefore recommended.

              Questions, Debate and Decision Making Process

(4)          Councillor C Theobald referred to another recently approved scheme and enquired whether there were similar issues in relation to vehicle parking at this site. The Development and Transport Assessment Manager confirmed that the Highway Authority had no objection to the principle of the use of the building and that the layout of any associated parking and the provision of a Travel Plan could be controlled by the proposed conditions.

(5)          Councillor Hyde stated that she considered the proposals to be acceptable and was pleased to note that an existing business was flourishing and would be extending their operations into this unit.

(6)          A vote was taken and Members voted unanimously that planning permission be granted.

30.5       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 ad guidance in section 7 and resolves to GRANT planning permission subject to the Conditions and Informatives set out in section 11.

              MINOR APPLICATIONS