Agenda item - BH2016/06407 - Land To Rear Of 62-64 Preston Road, Brighton - Full Planning

Excavation and erection of four storey building to facilitate creation of 4no residential units (C3) with associated alterations.

RECOMMENDATION – REFUSE

Ward Affected: Preston Park

Excavation and erection of four storey building to facilitate creation of 4no residential units (C3) with associated alterations.

Officer Introduction

1)               The Principal Planning Officer introduced the application and gave a presentation with reference to plans, photographs and elevational drawings. It was explained that site for the four proposed dwellings was located on the corner of Ditchling Rise and was located at the rear of the existing property and included the existing outrigger.

2)               The proposal was three storeys, plus a basement level and a roof area. The main considerations for the Committee were the design and appearance, and the amenity of the neighbours, including current and future occupants of the area and the development.

Public Speaker(s) and Questions

3)               Mr Richard Little addressed the Committee in his capacity as the applicant and explained that he had owned the building since 2014 and the YMCA had previously approached him to offer homes. The rear of the existing property was a brownfield site, which had been subject to antisocial behaviour and crime, and would help provide housing for the city. The flats would meet the minimum size requirements and would have multiple windows to ensure the flats received natural light. The proposal was for a pitched roof to be in keeping with the street scene and there would not be any alterations to the existing windows and fire escapes. He added that the Planning Officer had acknowledged that the proposal would not have a big impact on the current residents of Ditchling Rise.

              Debate and Decision Making Process

4)               Councillor Miller noted that the site was suitable for housing; however, he had concerns for the application. He explained that the roof design was not in keeping with the street scene and the two existing windows would overlook the new proposal and harm the neighbours’ amenity. He added that if these areas of the application were amended then he would support the proposal.

5)               Councillor Russell-Moyle agreed with Councillor Miller and explained that he would welcome the application if it continued with the street scene of Ditchling Rise. He added that it was a suitable site for additional housing.

6)               Councillor Littman noted that the yard would be suitable for housing; however, he had concerns for the proposed windows. He added that a revised scheme would be welcomed.

7)               Councillor Bennett agreed with the Councillors concerns for the windows and the style of the roof and welcomed an amended scheme.

8)               Councillor Morris noted concern for the windows; however, would be voting to grant the application. He added that proposals with a similar style roof in the area had previously been agreed.

9)               The Chair encouraged the applicant to engage in pre-application advice with Officer’s.

10)            A vote was taken by the 10 Members present and the Officer recommendation that the Committee refuse planning permission was carried with 9 votes for and 1 abstention.

138.9    RESOLVED – That the Committee resolves to REFUSE planning permission.

Note: Councillor Mac Cafferty was not present for the consideration and vote on the application.