Agenda item - BH2017/03566, Brighton Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College, 205 Dyke Road, Brighton - Full Planning

              Erection of a 4no storey teaching block replacing existing temporary modular classrooms and incorporating general teaching spaces, flexible student study, learning areas, resource areas and performance spaces with associated hard and soft landscaping and relocated car parking.

              Officer Introduction

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

(2)          The Principal Planning Officer, Jonathan Puplett, introduced the report and gave a presentation by reference to plans, elevational drawings, photographs and floor plans.

(3)          It was noted that the main considerations in determining the application related to the principle of the development to include the loss of the existing open space and outdoor space and the provision of new educational facilities, the design of the proposed teaching block in respect of scale and appearance in addition to the associated hard and soft landscaping and new car parking area, whether the development would have a detrimental impact on neighbouring amenity and whether the proposal was acceptable with regard to sustainable transport issues.

(4)          The proposed development would provide much needed specialist classrooms and would enhance the existing educational facilities of the college. The proposed external performance space would also provide an additional teaching resource and an area for occasional evening and weekend events. The proposed form of development was considered to be acceptable in transport, sustainability and ecological terms and conditions and s106 requirements were recommended as set out in the report. In order to accommodate the new teaching block the existing car park would be relocated onto part of an existing playing field, which would result in loss of some circulation space and would therefore represent a negative impact. Overall however it was considered that the scheme would deliver substantial benefits and that the negative impacts identified did not warrant refusal in this case. Approval was therefore recommended subject to the conditions and s106 requirements set out. Proposed amendments to the conditions as set out in the Additional/Late Representation List were also referred to.

            Public Speakers

(5)          Councillor O’Quinn spoke in her capacity as a neighbouring Ward Councillor. Councillor O’Quinn stated that whilst she had some concerns regarding the proposed scheme, that she had been approached by a number of residents living in the immediate vicinity who also had concerns. The main issues related to increased traffic flow, the four storey height of the building and its proximity to the boundary with Old Shoreham Road and the proposed outdoor performing area which could generate both additional noise and traffic flow. Councillor O’Quinn was of the view that these issues needed to be addressed by way of robust conditions being added to any permission granted. Having spoken on this matter Councillor O’Quinn withdrew from the meeting and took no part in the debate or decision making thereon.

(6)          Ms Smith spoke on behalf of the applicants in support of their application. Ms Smith explained that the proposed scheme had been designed to upgrade the existing teaching facilities available on site. Whilst the scheme would enhance and improve some of the existing teaching space it would not result in a loss of parking, nor would there be an increase in the number of students.

             Questions of the Planning Officer

(7)       In answer to questions by Councillor C Theobald, the Principal Planning Officer, Jonathan Puplett, explained that no trees would be removed. Clarification was also given regarding the design and materials to be used for the roof treatment. It was confirmed that an amended condition could be added in respect of the materials to be used and location/screening of plant located at roof level.

(8)       It was explained in answer to further questions that parking currently available on site would not be displaced. Additional information had been provided by the Applicant indicating that in order to address any loss to the existing sports pitches, in addition to retention of the existing marked out sports pitches, sufficient circulation space would also be retained in line with the guidance provided by Sport England who had not raised any objection to the proposed development.

              Debate and Decision Making Process

(9)          Councillor Gilbey stated that she was happy to support the scheme which would complement the existing buildings on site.

(10)       Councillors C Theobald, Hyde and Miller concurred in that view considering that the proposed colour palette had been carefully chosen and that the scheme overall was acceptable.

(11)       Councillor Cattell, the Chair, commended the scheme, in particular, the “copper” building, stating that she was happy to support the officer recommendation.

(12)       A vote was taken and the 9 Members present voted unanimously that minded to grant planning permission be granted.

1.1         RESOLVED – That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in the report and resolves that it is MINDED TO GRANT planning permission subject to a s106 agreement and to the Conditions and Informatives also set out in the report and to the additional/amended conditions set out below:

            Additional Condition:

             - Further details of the plant enclosure;

             - Car parking to be laid out first before work starts on the building.

              Note: Having spoken in respect of the above application Councillor O’Quinn withdrew from the meeting and took no part in the discussion or voting thereon.