Agenda item - BH2016/02797 -Patcham Service Station,Patcham By Pass,London Road,Brighton -Full Planning

Installation of two car wash bays.

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Ward Affected: Patcham

Installation of two car wash bays.

Officer Presentation

(1)       The Principal Planning Officer, Jonathan Puplett, introduced the application by reference to photographs, drawings and plans indicating the location of the car wash bays which it was proposed would be installed to the north of the petrol station forecourt.

(2)       It was explained that the main area of concern related to potential noise impact in view of the close proximity to residential dwellings. The Environmental Health Team had raised concerns regarding potential noise which could result from jet washing and in consequence an acoustic report had been required detailing the noise impact on residential dwellings. This had been assessed having regard to the equipment which would be used measuring noise emitted by the jet wash itself, the jet wash alarm and the vacuum, the loudest of these being the alarm. The report had demonstrated that due to the high traffic noise level produced by the London Road on which the petrol station was located noise from the car wash itself would have a “low impact” on neighbouring residents and Environmental Health had indicated that the submitted report was scientifically robust.

(3)       An additional condition was also recommended requesting full details of the drainage system proposed prior to commencement of the development and approval of the proposals was therefore recommended.

            Questions for Officers

(4)       Councillor Littman sought clarification of the potential impact of the appearance of these structures on neighbouring dwellings. It was explained that they would be lightweight screened structures which would not impact on local heritage assets.

(5)       Councillor Morris enquired regarding the purpose of the alarm system and it was explained that this was activated when the wash cycle entered its final phase.

(6)       Councillor C Theobald referred to the location of the proposed units and sought information regarding the distance between them and the nearest dwellings.

            Debate and Decision Making Process

(7)       Councillor C Theobald stated that she remained concerned that neighbouring properties would suffer noise disturbance as a result of the proposed car washes and also had concerns regarding water drainage, especially as the area was prone to surface water flooding. In consequence she did not feel able to support the application.

(8)       A vote was then taken and the 10 Members present voted that planning permission be granted on a vote of 7 to 3.

7.4      RESOLVED - That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in the report and resolves to GRANT planning permission subject to the Conditions and Informatives set out in the report and the additional condition set out below:

            Additional Condition 4:

            No development shall take place until full details of the proposed drainage system, including silt traps, sump chamber and discharge, and a maintenance strategy for the drainage system, have been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details and retained as such thereafter.

            Reason: To ensure that waste water associated with the proposed development is suitably treated and discharged and to comply with policies SU3 and SU5 of the Brighton & Hove Local Plan.

            Note : Councillor Mac Cafferty was not present at the meeting during consideration or voting in respect of the above application.