Agenda item - BH2017/00994 -67 Falmer Road, Brighton - Removal or Variation of Condition

Application for variation of condition 2 of application BH2015/02049 allowed on appeal (Demolition of existing house and garage and erection of 9no four bedroom houses) to allow amendments to the approved drawings.

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Ward Affected: Rottingdean Coastal

              Application for variation of condition 2 of application BH2015/02049 allowed on appeal (demolition of existing house and erection of 9no four bedroom houses) to allow amendments to the approved drawings.

            Officer Presentation

(1)             The Principal Planning Officer, Chris Swain gave a presentation by reference to site plans, elevational drawings and photographs. A material planning consideration was the fact that the application which had been refused in November 2015 had subsequently been allowed at appeal in November 2016. At that time the Inspector had concluded that the proposed scheme would not adversely affect the character or appearance of the locality, nor the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers with regard to daylight, sunlight, outlook, overlooking or noise and disturbance. Reductions to the hipped barn ends proposed by the current scheme would result in a slightly bulkier roof form, though this would not significantly alter the overall scale and massing of the dwelling and it was considered acceptable in design terms. The other revisions, including the re-siting of the garage and ground floor elements and the alterations to fenestration, doors and detailing were considered to have a neutral impact on the scheme.

(2)             Overall the proposal was considered to have an acceptable impact on the appearance and character of the site and the wider surrounding area, including the setting of the South Downs National Park and approval was therefore recommended.

              Public Speakers

(3)          Mr Howie spoke in objection to the proposed scheme setting out his objections and those of neighbouring residents. He stated that neighbours had serious concerns in respect of the proposals in that they would result in an increase in the mass and bulk of the roof when viewed from neighbouring properties to the east and west and would result in increased overlooking and loss of privacy to neighbours due to the amended window layout and omission of obscure glazing; the fact it would be a higher build than previously agreed and would set a precedent for similar changes to other properties on the site.

              Questions of Officers/Debate and Decision Making Process

(4)          Councillor Miller sought clarification regarding the constituent elements of the proposed scheme in comparison with the previous scheme and confirmation of the situation in respect of permitted development rights.

(5)          Councillor Morris expressed concern that the drawings shown did not marry up precisely and it was explained that the visuals displayed had been prepared by officers for illustrative purposes in order to denote the primary changes between the two schemes.

(6)          Councillor Moonan sought clarification regarding the height and width of the proposed development and it was confirmed that the overall footprint and height of the development was unchanged.

(7)          A vote was taken and the 11 Members of the Committee who were present voted by 10 with 1 abstention that planning permission be granted.

33.11    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 also set out in the report and to the amended Condition 15 set out below:

Amended condition 15 :

None of the residential units hereby approved shall be occupied until each residential unit has achieved a water efficiency standard using not more than 110 litres per person per day maximum indoor water consumption.

Reason: To ensure that the development is sustainable and makes efficient use of water to comply with policy CP8 of the Brighton & Hove City Plan Part One.