Agenda item - BH2020/01466 - Hill House, 53 Western Road, Hove - Full Planning

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Ward Affected: Bruunswick and Adelaide

1.    It was noted that an in-depth presentation had been provided by officers in advance of the meeting and was included on the council website detailing the scheme by reference to site plans, elevational drawings and photographs which showed the proposed scheme in the context of neighbouring development.

2.    The main considerations in the determination of this application relate to the principle of development, affordable housing, design and heritage, biodiversity and landscaping, the impact on neighbouring amenity, the standard of accommodation created, the impact on the highway, and sustainability.

Speakers

3.    Ward Councillor Clare spoke on the item and expressed concerns regarding the development of the listed building. Residents in Holland Mews to the rear of the site will be impacted by construction traffic, loss of light from the increase in height of the proposals and loss of privacy from the proposed balconies. A traffic management plan is requested to address the traffic issues. The development is located in parking zone M, which is a congested zone, please make the proposals a car free development.

4.    John McLean spoke as the applicant’s agent and stated that they had been on a site visit with officers to clarify the proposals as they were mindful that the building was listed. The impact of the proposal was assessed from 17 different viewpoints. The heritage team felt the visual impact would be negligible. The Conservation Area Group (CAG) approved the setback design of the top floor with edge planting and set back parapet handrail. The applicant is happy to repair the Hills pavement mosaic. CAG also approved of the proposed front elevation to the north. The replacement windows, roof and extensive refurbishment will return the building to landmark status. The applicant understands the concerns relating to construction traffic and has submitted a Construction Management Plan to the case officer which will avoid using Holland Mews. There is considered to be no loss of sunlight and daylight estimates are acceptable for the residents of Holland Mews as the less than one storey development will be set to the north side of the building away from the mews.

Questions for speaker

5.    Councillor Fishleigh was informed that the applicant was happy to agree conditions relating to no construction traffic in Holland Mews; details of window replacement and landscape strip on roof terrace – introduced to prevent overlooking; and repair of Hills pavement mosaic.

6.    Councillor Hills was informed that there would be no loss of light to Holland Mews to the rear of the building.

7.    Councillor Fishleigh proposed a motion to add a condition to retain the Hills pavement mosaic. This was seconded by Councillor Henry.

8.    The Chair put the motion to the vote, and it was agreed unanimously.

Debate

9.    Councillor Miller considered the design to improve the building and approved of the new units to be gained by the development. The councillor supported the application.

10. Councillor Yates considered that the applicant had engaged with the community and supported the application.

11. Councillor Osborne considered the housing mix to be acceptable. A car free development would be desirable. The inclusion of 12 solar panels was good and the councillor stated their support for the application.

12. Councillor Littman was delighted to see the make-over for the building and the repair of the mosaic. The councillor supported the application.

13. A vote was taken and by unanimous vote, planning permission was granted.

14. RESOLVED: That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in the report and resolves to be MINDED TO GRANT planning permission subject to a s106 agreement on the Heads of Terms set out in the report and the Conditions and Informatives as set out in the report, SAVE THAT should the s106 Planning Obligation not be completed on or before the 2nd October 2020 the Head of Planning is hereby authorised to refuse planning permission for the reasons set out in section 11.1 of the report.