Agenda item - BH2016/05662 - Russell House, Russell Mews, Brighton - Full Planning

External alterations and additions to fenestration, including access doors to existing balconies, following prior approval application BH2016/05439 for change of use from offices (B1) to 52no flats (C3)

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

External alterations and additions to fenestration, including access doors to existing balconies, following prior approval application BH2016/05439 for change of use from offices (B1) to 52no flats (C3).

1)               The Planning Officer introduced the application and gave a presentation by reference to plans, photographs and elevational drawings. The application site related to a part four/five storey building in Regency Mews and Russell Mews, it had previously been occupied as an office, and the application followed prior approval of a change of use from office to residential. The application sought permission for external alterations including: new timber doors, Juliet balconies and the replacement of the some of the windows. Objections had been raised in relation to the proposed windows, but Officers were of the view the windows would not lead to significant overlooking or loss of privacy. The application was recommended for approval for the reasons set out in the report.

2)               In response to Councillor C. Theobald it was confirmed that the applicant was not obliged to pay s106 contributions with this type of prior approval application.

3)               The Chair then put the application to the vote and the Officer recommendation that was carried unanimously.

121.11  RESOLVED – That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation, and resolves to GRANT permission for the reasons set out in the report, and the additional condition set out below:

i)       Prior to first occupation of the building, the central panes of the bay windows in the south elevation of the development hereby permitted shall be obscure glazed and non-opening, unless the parts of the window/s which can be opened are more than 1.7 metres above the floor of the room in which the window is installed, and thereafter permanently retained as such.

Reason: To safeguard the privacy of the occupiers of the adjoining property and to comply with policies QD14 and QD27 of the Brighton & Hove Local Plan.