Issue - items at meetings - Planning Brief: Former Falmer High School Surplus Land

That the planning brief be approved as a means of helping guide future development proposals on the former Falmer High School released land.

81.1         The Leader considered an update from the Head of Planning Strategy concerning a planning brief for the former Falmer High School released land. The Leader highlighted the history of the site, and noted there were aspirations to use the site to increase the parking capacity for the Amex Community Stadium.

81.2         The Principal Planning Officer (Strategy), Alan Buck, introduced the item and noted that the briefing was designed to compliment a strategic objective by highlighting the key planning policies and acting as a promotional tool. Some of the sensitivities of the site were highlighted in the report, and the briefing promoted it as a mixed use site.

81.3         The Lead Commissioner - City Regulation & Infrastructure, Mark Prior, went on to add that it had been agreed there would be an independent transport assessment. This would look at the potential for a shuttle bus service, match day parking and the management of the tunnel if the site was used for parking.  Eight responses had so far been received from responsible authorities and interested parties and the comments referenced: traffic on the A27; the local railway capacity; on street parking issues and provision for park and ride facilities.

81.4         Councillor Morgan noted that there had already been interest in the site, welcomed the report and stressed the economic benefits associated with the new Amex Community Stadium. He also went on to add that he welcomed the potential to alleviate the parking problems in the Moulsecoomb and Coldean areas.

81.5         The Leader highlighted concerns in relation to the movement of traffic in the area, and the need for adequate provision and control of pedestrians and cyclists.

81.6         Councillor Carol Theobald welcomed the proposed use of the site for parking provision and the potential for a park and ride facility. In relation to the timescales it was highlighted that application had been received by the Council was expected to be heard by the Planning Committee next month.

81.7         The Principal Solicitor explained that when the Secretary for State had granted the original planning pemission for the stadium, which included parking at Falmer High School, it was not considered necessary to widen the tunnel.

81.8         RESOLVED – That the planning brief be approved by the Leader of the Council acting as Cabinet Member for Planning, Employment, Economy & Regeneration as a means of helping guide future development proposals on the former Falmer High School released land.