Agenda item - BH2018/01123, Hove Central Library, 182-186 Church Road, Hove - Full Planning

Alterations to rear garden area incorporating new steps, handrail and landing and addition of insulation and plasterboard to existing screen of w.c window for use by children's day nursery.

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Ward Affected: Central Hove

              Alterations to rear garden area incorporating new steps, handrail and landing and addition of insulation and plasterboard to existing screen of w.c. window for use by children’s day nursery.

Officer Presentation

(1)          It was noted that this application had been the subject of a site visit prior to the meeting.

(2)          The Principal Planning Officer, Stewart Glassar, gave a presentation by reference to plans, elevational drawings, photographs and floor plans. It was explained that the main considerations in determining this application related to whether the proposed alterations would have a detrimental impact on the amenity, character, architectural setting and significance of the grade II listed building and the wider Old Hove Conservation Area. The application proposed alterations to the rear garden area incorporating new steps, handrail and landing. It was noted that both the Listed Building and Planning Application had been presented on together but were voted on separately.

(3)          The lower ground floor of the library currently served as ancillary office space, staff and storage space. The proposed alterations were proposed in order to facilitate use of the lower ground floor and rear garden area as a children’s day nursery. The external space would be used as a learning garden where small groups of children (no more than 4-8 at any one time), would engage in focussed activities. The garden was unlikely to be used before 9/9.30am or after 5pm. Although a number of objections had been received relating to the proposed nursery use the library and the nursery were in the same use class (D1), as such there was no material change to the use of the building and only physical works to the building should be considered in determining the application as the nursery use in itself did not require planning permission in this instance. Overall, it was considered that the proposed alterations were acceptable and would not harm the historic character or appearance of the grade II listed building or wider conservation area and were in accordance with the relevant policies contained in the “Brighton and Hove City Plan Part One”; approval was therefore recommended subject to the Conditions and Informatives set out in the report.

Public Speakers

(4)          Ms V Paynter had spoken on behalf of those who had concerns and objections in respect of the proposed scheme, setting out the nature of those objections (These are referred to at item D above).

            Debate and Decision Making Process

(5 )         A vote was taken and the 10 Members who were present voted on a vote of 8 to 2 that planning permission be granted.

1.5         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.