Agenda item - BH2018/03896-Hove Central Library, 186 Church Road, Hove- Listed Building Consent

Alterations to entrance lobby to install access control system including exit button and associated works.

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Ward Affected: Central Hove

              Alterations to entrance lobby to install access control system including exit button and associated works.

Officer Presentation

(1)          The Principal Planning Officer, Mick Anson, introduced the application by reference to photographs showing the existing entrance lobby and the location of the proposed access control equipment including exit buttons to the interior of the library entrance. The main considerations in determining the application related to whether the proposed alterations would have a detrimental impact on the character, architectural setting and significance of the Grade II listed building and the wider Old Hove Conservation Area.

(2)          The proposal would involve the installation of a number of fixings inside the entranceway, including exit buttons and new bolt arrangement to the existing doors. The purpose of these alterations would be to allow the nursery and other out of hours users, safe emergency access from the building when the library was closed. It had been confirmed that the proposed works would not harm the historic character or appearance of the Grade II listed building or wider conservation are and approval was therefore recommended.

Questions of Officers

(3)          Councillor Mac Cafferty stated that local residents had expressed concern in the past regarding lack of consultation and sought confirmation as to what consultation had taken place. The Planning Manager, Nicola Hurley, explained that as this was a listed building application letters would not have been sent to residents. In answer to further questions it was explained that no additional comments had been received from the Heritage Team who had noted that possible discrete positions for the equipment had been identified and that for those reasons and with the viability of the building in mind they had not objected.

(4)          Councillor Cobb sought clarification regarding the proposed means by which the boxes would be fitted considering that if they needed to be set into the wall that could require re-plastering/making good and it was important for Members to be aware of that.

(5)          Councillor Moonan enquired whether the proposed works would increase the hours during which the library was available to the public. It was confirmed that it would not and that the purpose of these alterations was to allow the nursery and other out of hours users safe emergency access from the building once the library was closed. Councillor Moonan stated that the Library was located in her ward and that she had received positive feedback in relation to the works that had helped to facilitate its use as a community hub.

(6)          Councillor Littman sought clarification regarding the number of buttons proposed and it was confirmed that there would be two buttons and new bolt arrangement to the existing door.

(7)          Councillor Gilbey asked whether the buttons would allow two-way access and it was confirmed that they would allow users to exit from the building only.

(8)          Councillor Miller asked why the application had been brought forward to Committee bearing in mind that no objections had been received and that it was an application for minor works albeit that they related to the fabric of a listed building. It was explained that this mirrored the decision taken by the Planning Committee Member Working Group that such applications be brought forward for determination by Committee.

Debate and Decision Making Process

(9)          Members were in agreement that/as when similar applications came forward for determination in future it would be helpful if the rationale for the application being brought to Committee could be set out and precise detail of the works proposed given.

(10)       A vote was taken and on a vote of 9 with 1 abstention the 10 Members present when the vote was taken voted that Listed Building Consent be granted.

134.7  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 Listed Building Consent subject to the Conditions and Informatives also set out in the report.

            Note: Councillor Bennett was notpresent at the meeting when the vote was taken.