Agenda item - BH2019/01053-The Coach House, Withdean Avenue, Brighton -Removal or Variation of Condition

Application for variation of condition 1 of BH2016/06478 (Demolition of existing dwellings and erection of part two part three storey building providing 26no residential apartments (C3) with associated landscaping, parking spaces, cycle and mobility scooter store) to allow amendments to the approved drawings.

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Ward Affected: Withdean

              Application for variation of condition 1 of BH2016/06478 (Demolition of existing dwellings and erection of part two part three storey building providing 26no residential apartments (C3) with associated landscaping, parking spaces, cycle and mobility scooter store) to allow amendments to the approved drawings.

              Officer Presentation

(1)             The Principal Planning Officer, Liz Arnold, introduced the application and gave a detailed presentation by reference to site plans and, elevational drawings detailing the proposals. The application site had been previously occupied by six bungalows and a separate two storey house referred to as the “Coach House. There was one vehicular access to the site. Its immediate surroundings were wholly residential. The proposal sought amendments to the originally agreed scheme would mainly effect the external appearance of the approved building. It was noted that the main considerations in determining the application related to the design quality, quality of accommodation, impact on residential amenity, biodiversity and transport access. The only matters being considered related to changes to the original scheme which had planning permission which related to elevation treatments and parking layout of the approved scheme. The principle of re-development and details of other issues had already been established.

(2)             It was considered that the proposed amendments would result in a high quality and well-designed scheme which would provide a good standard of accommodation for future residents whilst not having a significant impact on the amenity of nearby properties. Overall, the proposed amendments were considered acceptable and the application was therefore recommended for approval subject to the conditions set out.

              Questions of Officers

(3)             Councillor Littman enquired whether the rationale for these proposed changes was known as he was concerned that an element of planting would be lost in consequence of them. It was explained that conditions 19 and 20 which would be attached to any permission granted.

(4)             Councillor Shanks asked whether it would be possible to condition retention of the additional trees originally proposed.

(5)          Councillor Fishleigh sought clarification on the matter and it was explained that applicants could seek variations to a scheme as originally submitted and could build either scheme.

              Debate and Decision Making Process

(6)          Councillor Childs stated that he considered that the proposed layout would have a more detrimental impact than the scheme as originally approved and that he had concerns about that. He considered that retention of a green “wall” between the application site and the neighbouring properties was important.

(7)          Councillor Littman echoed those concerns considering that what originally been agreed was preferable to the revised scheme.

(8)          Councillor Janio concurred stating that he considered that the Committee were being held to ransom.

(9)          A vote was taken and the 9 members who were present when the vote was taken voted by 6 to 3 that planning permission be granted.

46.3       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.

            MINOR APPLICATIONS