Agenda item - BH2018/00689,Preston Barracks, Mithras House, Watts Building, Lewes Road, Brighton- Reserved Matters

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Agenda item

BH2018/00689,Preston Barracks, Mithras House, Watts Building, Lewes Road, Brighton- Reserved Matters

Watts Site: Reserved matters application pursuant to outline permission BH2017/00492 for approval of layout, scale and appearance relating to the University’s proposed multi-storey car park and access road, forming defined site parcels 3 and 4 respectively.

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Ward(s) Affected:Moulsecoomb & Bevendean and Hollingdean & Stanmer

Minutes:

              Reserved matters application pursuant to outline permission BH2017/00492 for approval of layout, scale and appearance relating to the University’s proposed multi-storey car park and access road, forming defined site parcels 3 and 4 respectively.

 

              Officer Presentation

 

(1)          The Principal Planning Officer, Sarah Collins, introduced the application and gave a presentation by reference to site plans, elevational drawings, photographs and floor plans. It was noted that outline consent BH2017/00492 had established the approximate size of the MSCP through the parameter plans, the maximum number of car parking spaces and the minimum number of disabled parking spaces, the minimum number of active and passive electric vehicle charging spaces, the minimum number of motorcycle spaces and the position and layout of the access road up to the western edge of the Business School Square. This Reserved Matters application did not extend beyond the parameter plans, complied with those conditions and maintained the position and layout of the access road up to the western edge of Business School Square. The main considerations in determining this application related to: the layout and design of the access road, internal layout of the MSCP, movement of vehicles within the car park and number, location and allocation of vehicle spaces; design, layout, ecological impact, function and appearance of the route from Saunders Park View northwards along the SNCI to North of the Watt Building and retention of the existing roundabout and proposed changes to the landscaping, layout and design function, ecological merits and appearance (HW9). Reference was also made to the amendments and comments set out in the Late/Additional Representations List.

 

(2)          It was noted the new proposals offered some improvements to the previously secure arrangements. Whilst some of the changes would result in less satisfactory arrangements for some pedestrians, this would be countered by benefits to the ecology of the site by removing the approved access road between the MSCP and the Watts Bank. The Transport Officer had accepted that many of the raised concerns could be addressed by more detailed submissions subject to conditions. Issues arising from the proposed changes had been mitigated and it was considered were justified in view of the significant topographical constraints of the site which would be improved as a result of these proposals. It was also acknowledged that the approved scheme also included various locations where this was also likely to be the case. This application was therefore recommended minded to approve.

 

            Questions for Officers

 

(3)          Councillor Morris asked for clarification regarding the precise location of the green wall and the distance between it and the neighbouring buildings. In answer to further questions it was confirmed that the planting would be provided so that it would both hung down and grow up, also that the planting provided was expected to survive, arrangements were in place to ensure maintenance and replacement for a five year period.

 

(4)          Councillors Hyde and Miller enquired regarding proposed Condition 3 relating to the hours during which loading and unloading of vehicles was permitted enquiring whether the exceptions permitted would be sufficiently flexible. The Development and Transport Assessment Manager, David Farnham, referred to the amendments set out in the Additional/Late Representations List.

 

(5)          Councillor Morris referred to the areas of the site where there were shared access arrangements. The rationale and location of these was detailed and Councillor Morris asked whether it would be possible to provide additional markings and signage alerting pedestrians. It was agreed that could be done and that officers would take the necessary steps and agree the final wording.

 

            Debate and Decision Making Process

 

(6)          Councillor Platts expressed concern regarding the level of parking proposed on the site particularly in relation to the comments received in relation to the number and location of the blue badge disabled parking bays. It was explained that those comments related to the original outline application. Overall the number of spaces remained consistent with that application with a slight uplift to the number of spaces originally approved, in consequence of changes which had been made to the internal layout.

 

(7)          Councillor Platts also sought clarification regarding the Equalities Statement and the criteria used in compiling it. It was explained that this was outlined in this report having been set out in detail in the earlier report when the Committee had approved the scheme.

 

(8)          Councillor Mac Cafferty sought further information in relation to the “gaps” to be maintained between buildings on site and the manner in which parking arrangements had been consolidated across the site overall in order to limit the potential for overspill parking into neighbouring roads. In answer to further questions it was explained that materials would be brought forward for consultation with members attending Chair’s Briefing. Councillor Mac Cafferty stated that he welcomed the scheme whilst considering it important to press for greater detail in relation to the planting to be used for the “green” wall and to ensure that this properly maintained going forward.

 

(9)          In answer to questions by Councillor Morris in respect of arrangements to provide electric charging points it was explained that increases in the number of these being required was being actively pursued in relation to major developments across the city.

 

(10)       Councillor Littman whilst supporting the proposals considered that greater capacity could have been built into the scheme.

 

(11)       Councillor C Theobald stated that she hoped, bearing in mind that not all of the fully accessible units were at ground floor level, that suitable contingency arrangements were in place in the event of lift failure.

 

(12)       Councillor Gilbey welcomed the parking arrangements proposed for the site especially the disabled arrangements in proximity to the Cockcroft Building which were similar to those in place at the University of Sussex and with which she was familiar.

 

(13)       Councillor Inkpin-Leissner stated that he fully supported the layout and scale proposed in relation to the multi-storey car park and associated access arrangements.

 

(14)       Councillor Hyde also indicated her support for the proposals and for the colour palette proposed.

 

(15)       A vote was taken and the 12 members present when the vote was taken voted unanimously that Minded to Grant approval be given.

 

18.2       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 APPROVE reserved matters subject to a deed of variation to the s106 agreement relating to application BH2017/00492 to remove reference to the cycle route from the obligation (schedule 1 para 16) for a Walkways Agreement, proposed amendments set out in the Late/Additional Representations List and to the Conditions and Informatives also set out in the report. In addition it was also agreed to delete Condition 8 and to amend Conditions 2 and 13.

Supporting documents:

 


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