Agenda item - BH2020/03287 - 18 Valley Drive, Brighton - Householder Planning Consent

1.    The Planning manager introduced the application.

Speakers

2.    Ward Councillor Davis addressed the committee and stated they were objecting to the application on behalf of the residents. The councillor requested that the committee take on board the concerns of the local residents who value the peace and quite of the back gardens. It is considered that there will be overlooking issues and the neighbours are very worried that the screening will not be enough. If planning permission was granted, it was requested that the officers ensure that the condition regarding screen is enacted. The councillor noted the special community spirit in the area and asked the committee to consider the application carefully.

3.    Colm McKay addressed the committee as the applicant’s agent and noted that most of the objections had been submitted from one household. The applicant sees the site as a family area and noted that other properties have erected large summer houses in neighbouring gardens. The application is for some simple terracing with some of the build being below ground level. The proposals were agreed to conform to planning legislation at pre application stage. The proposed planting scheme includes 4 silver birch trees to add to the existing hedging. The privacy requested by neighbours already exists. The proposed materials will include reclaimed Sussex stone. The committee were requested to approve the application.

Questions

4.    Councillor Fishleigh was informed that the proposals would be a stone construction cut into the hillside and planning permission was required for the exaction works.

5.    Councillor Theobald was informed that the hedging is existing, and the trees would be planted by condition.

Debate

6.    Councillor Janio stated he approved the application.

7.    Councillor Shanks made a plea to residents and asked that neighbours speak to each other regarding proposals.

Vote

8.    A vote was taken, and the committee agreed unanimously to grant planning permission. (Councillor Yates did not take part in the discussions or the decision making process).

9.    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 in the report.