Agenda item - BH2015/04536, Preston Park Hotel, 216 Preston Road, Brighton - Full Planning

Change of use of hotel (C1) to residential (C3) comprising conversion of main hotel and demolition and redevelopment of north wing, to provide 13no self-contained open market flats and 9no affordable flats, alterations to front façade, retention of 27 car parking spaces and provision of new cycle and refuse facilities.

RECOMMENDATION – REFUSAL as s106 has not been completed.

Ward Affected: Withdean

              Change of use of hotel (C1) to residential (C3) comprising conversion of main hotel and demolition and redevelopment of north wing, to provide 13no self-contained open market flats and 9no affordable flats, alterations to front façade, retention of 27 car parking spaces and provision of new cycle and refuse facilities.

Officer Presentation

(1)             The Principal Planning Officer, Jonathan Puplett, explained that at their meeting held on 12 October 2016 the Committee had considered an application seeking consent for change of use of a hotel to self-contained residential units including redevelopment of the northern wing of the hotel. The development would have provided 13 market housing flats and 9 affordable flats Members approved the proposed scheme subject to completion of a s106 Legal Agreement in the terms set out in the report. Since that time the Local Planning Authority had sought to progress the Legal Agreement forward to completion but unfortunately in this case the applicant had not been able to complete the Legal Agreement. There had been extended periods of inactivity and no clear reasons for the lengthy delay incurred had been provided. As the Local Planning Authority was unable to keep an application under consideration indefinitely the application had been returned back to committee.

(2)          In the absence of a Legal Agreement to secure necessary measures in regard to affordable housing, sustainable transport infrastructure, the Local Employment Scheme, education provision, the open space provision and an appropriate artistic component, the proposed development did not comply with local planning policies and would not mitigate from the impact resulting from the development and refusal was therefore recommended. An update was given in respect of the existing position and it was noted that this application was closer to completion than the preceding one referred to above. Confirmation had been received that morning from those acting on behalf of the applicant that documents relating to the title for the site had been provided and the s106 was now lodged with the appropriate parties and wase awaiting signature and return. On that basis Members might be minded to vote directly to defer further consideration of the application pending completion of the s106.

              Public Speakers

(3)          Mr Bareham spoke on behalf of the applicants confirming that processing of the s106 was now far advanced following an unavoidable delay by the Land Registry. Completion was now imminent.

            Debate and Decision Making Process

(4)          A vote was taken and the 10 Members who were present voted unanimously that consideration of the application be deferred in order to allow the S106 agreement to be concluded. If completed by 7 August 2018 officers could issue planning consent under their delegated powers. In the event that the s106 had not been concluded by that date authority was granted to the Head of Planning to refuse the application.

1.3         RESOLVED – That the above application be deferred in order enable the outstanding s106 Agreement to be completed in the terms set out above.