Agenda item - BH2020/01870 - 136 Ladysmith Road, Brighton - Full Planning

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Ward Affected : Moulsecoomb & Bevendean

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 the proposed change of use, the effects of the proposed change of use on neighbours' amenity, the standard of accommodation to be provided for future occupiers, and transport matters.

Debate

3.    Councillor Childs considered that there were lots of Homes of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) in this crowded area. The councillor expressed concerns that the proposed change of use would have a negative impact on the area with regards to noise, rubbish and more cars needing parking.

4.    A vote was taken, and the 8 Members present voted by 3 to 5 against the officer recommendation to approve the application. (Councillor Yates was not present during the debate and took no part in the decision making process).

5.    A motion to refuse the application was proposed by Councillor Childs and seconded by Councillor Fishleigh.

6.    Councillors Childs proposed that the reasons for refusal would be on the grounds that the application would potentially have a negative impact by way of parking, noise and waste and thereby be contrary to planning policy QD27 – protection of amenities.

7.    A recorded vote was taken, and of the 7 Members present councillors Childs, Miller, Fishleigh and Simson voted to refuse the application, whilst councillors Osborne, Hills and Littman voted to grant the application. By a vote of 4 to 3 the application was refused. (Councillors Henry and Yates were not present during the debate and took no part in the decision making process).

8.    RESOVLED: That the Committee has taken into consideration the reasons for the recommendation set out in the report but resolves to REFUSE planning permission on the grounds that the proposed development would potentially result in noise, parking issues and waste which would have a negative impact on amenity. The final wording of the refusal to be agreed by the Planning Manager in consultation with the proposer and seconder.