Agenda item - BH2016/02379 - The Royal Pavilion, Pavilion Buildings, Brighton - Full Planning

Temporary ice rink on Royal Pavilion Eastern Lawns annually during winter months. Structure to include ancillary buildings for a restaurant, cafe, toilet facilities, skate hire, learners ice rink and associated plant and lighting. (1 year consent).

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Temporary ice rink on Royal Pavilion Eastern Lawns annually during winter months. Structure to include ancillary buildings for a restaurant, cafe, toilet facilities, skate hire, learners ice rink and associated plant and lighting. (1 year consent).

Questions for Officers

1)            Councillor C. Theobald questioned whether the application should be retrospective. The Planning Manager explained that it was not a retrospective application when the applicant applied for planning permission and when the reports were produced. It was explained that the application had been subject to negotiation and it was being presented at the Planning Committee as soon as possible.

2)            In response to Councillor Morris, Councillor Wares noted that the application was valid from 7 July 2016; therefore, had applied 4 months prior to the applicant wishing to erect the rink.

3)           Councillor Inkpin-Leissner explained the war memorial was expensive to maintain and requested that the ice rink had a s106 agreement to keep this maintained. The Chair explained that a s106 could only be negotiated when there was a direct impact from the property.

4)           The Planning Manager clarified to Councillor Littman that application was for one year, rather than the previous five, because it was a larger structure and the Officer’s wished to assess the impact.

Debate and Decision Making

5)            Councillor Morris noted that he had received objections from local residents regarding the obstructive view of the Royal Pavilion because of the presence of the ice skating rink. He noted that there should be a gap between the marquees; therefore, the Royal Pavilion and the rink could be seen from the road.

6)            Councillor Hyde agreed with Councillor Morris that a gap between the marquees would be an improvement; however, she explained it was an improved application from the previous years. She added the smaller rink for younger children was positive.

7)            Councillor Miller noted that he fully supported the scheme and thought it was a good facility. He agreed that it could be improved next year by moving the marquees to create a gap from the street view.

8)            Councillor Inkpin-Leissner explained that he would be supporting the Officer recommendation but believed that there should be a s106 to restore the war memorial.

9)            Councillor C. Theobald explained that she welcomed the scheme and it added an attraction to the city. She noted that the beginners rink and the increase of the main rink were an improvement.

10)         Councillor Russell-Moyle noted that it was an asset to the city and it could be extended. He added that there were exciting opportunities with the scheme.

11)         Councillor Gilbey noted that she would be supporting the Officer recommendation.

12)         A vote was taken by the 12 Members present and the Officer recommendation that the Committee grant planning permission for a temporary period of one year was carried unanimously.

69.2    RESOLVED – That the Committee resolves to GRANT planning permission subject to the conditions and informatives set out in section 1.