Agenda item - BH2015/03144 - Site of Former William Moon Lodge, The Linkway, Brighton - Full Planning

Erection of two storey (plus basement) residential care home providing 75 bedrooms and 18 parking spaces and associated works.

RECOMMENDATION – MINDED TO GRANT

Ward Affected - Hollingdean & Stanmer

Erection of two storey (plus basement) residential care home providing 75 bedrooms and 18 parking spaces and associated works.

(1)             The Planning Manager, Major Applications, Paul Vidler, gave a presentation detailing the scheme by reference to site plans, floor plans and photographs. It was explained that the application site was located on the southern side of The Linkway and was currently vacant having been formerly used by the Sussex Lantern Trust, the building formerly on the site (a large detached single storey building (D2 community use), had been demolished and the site cleared. In the wider context the site lay within a predominantly residential area. The properties on the northern side of the Linkway directly opposite the site were 3 storey terraced flats, properties to the east, west and south were 2 storey terraced dwellings.

(2)          It was explained that the main consideration in determining the application related to the suitability of the site to accommodate the proposed care home and the impact of the development upon the character and amenity of the area. Regard was also needed to the traffic and travel implications of the development, neighbouring amenity and sustainability. It was considered that the proposed development would provide much needed residential accommodation for the elderly. The proposed building was considered to be of acceptable design and that there would be no significant adverse impact upon the character or appearance of the site or on the surrounding area. The development would provide a good standard of accommodation for future occupants and would not result in significant harm to neighbouring amenity or highway; it was therefore recommended minded to grant.

Questions of Officers

(3)          Councillor C Theobald sought clarification regarding any trees remaining on site which were protected by TPO’s, also regarding the number of staff who would be working there. It was explained that a total of 20 staff would be employed, however the number in the building at any one time would be far fewer than that due to shift patterns and the number of posts which were part time. The Development and Transport Assessment Manager, Steven Shaw, explained that as there were good public transport links to the site, some would access it on foot; the scheme fell well within recommended parking standards.

              Debate and Decision Making Process

(4)          Councillor C Theobald stated that she considered that the proposed scheme represented a good use of the site and supported the Officer recommendation.

(5)          Councillor Mac Cafferty supported the Officer recommendation also referring to the Age UK initiative which drew attention to the benefits of care homes growing food on site for consumption by residents, requesting that this be added as an informative to any permission granted. This was supported by Members and was voted on.

(6)          A vote was taken and Members voted unanimously that minded to grant planning permission be given to include the informative proposed.

44.1       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 and guidance in section 7 and resolves to be MINDED TO GRANT planning permission subject to a S106 agreement, including £7,500 towards the Local Employment Scheme, and the Conditions and Informatives set out in section 11.