Agenda item - BH2022/02443 - The Hippodrome, 51 & 52-58 Middle Street, Brighton - Full Planning

1.         The Case Officer introduced the application to the committee and provided a verbal update clarifying amendments proposed to the conditions schedule. The case officer also reported two late representations received, one from the Council’s Culture and Tourism Team and another from the Hippodrome CIC. Neither representation raised matters not already considered within the report.

Speakers

2.         Tom Clarke of the Theatre Trust addressed the committee and stated that the changes made to the development following comments were welcomed. It was noted that there was limited space inside the building and the loss of interior decorations was an issue. The S106 agreement was good, as was the events and services plan. The Palm Court should be protected and form part of the development plan. The committee were asked to ensure they understood the scheme and were requested to seek further revisions.

3.         Ward Councillor Goldsmith addressed the committee and stated that they were in favour of the application which was considered to bring new life to the building, which was considered to have huge heritage value. The development protects the asset to the area and city as a whole. The positive elements of the scheme are supported by residents and the local MP, Caroline Lucas. There are some objections. A lyric theatre style of performance space would be better, however, there is no funding for this idea. The project needs to be viable. The committee were requested to agree the application.

4.         Simon Lambor addressed the committee as the agent acting on behalf of the applicant and stated that the family run development company bought the hippodrome 31/2 years ago after the building had been neglected for many years. Some of the ceiling has been lost, however £5m has been invested into the building roof already and some ceiling plaster has been saved. The building has been through a variety of uses including music hall and the proposed scheme will keep that variety of uses. The committee were requested to approve the application so works can continue to save the existing building.

Answers to Committee Member Questions

5.         Councillor Theobald was informed that the standing capacity would be around 1,800 with 400 seated. The toilets would be planned by the operator of the site, and there was currently no operator. The loss of the Palm Court mouldings was deemed acceptable. The interiors plan was not assured yet; however, the council would encourage saving the existing plaster columns. The agent confirmed the columns were to be saved in the Palm Court.

6.         Councillor Robinson was informed by the agent that there would be two reception areas and two phases to the works. It was hoped that both phase one and two would be managed by the same company. The case officer confirmed that there would be two receptions, but one aparthotel with a condition to secure it as one operation and the bar would in phase one. There would be two rooftop bar areas and one would be enclosed, and the doors conditioned to close at 10.30pm. It was confirmed that Middle Street is one way and delivery trucks would come from the south and continue north into Ship Street to exit. Trucks would not be reversing down Middle Street. A delivery management plan was required by condition.

7.         Councillor Earthey was informed that the Grade II* listed building would be using sustainable energy by condition and careful roof installation would be required.

8.         Councillor Shanks was informed that the roof terrace seating would be raised and set back facing Middle Street. Seating outside the building on the street would be limited and require a licence from Highways. The agent confirmed the terrace would be obscured by the stair tower and projection room, plus a 1.2m high parapet wall.

9.         Councillor Sheard was informed that phase two will be started after the auditorium has been completed and operating. The council’s Highways team will work with the construction company to resolve the delivery of building materials. It was confirmed that the street waste bins could be moved to ensure the vehicle tracking plan worked.

10.      Councillor Loughran was informed that the delivery trucks would leave the site in forward gear through the old town. The route and hours would be agreed by condition.

Debate

11.      Councillor Theobald considered the works already carried out were wonderful. The hippodrome was a unique building. A large-scale theatre would be preferred. The councillor was glad the aparthotel has been reduced. The change of office space to rehearsal space was a good thing. The building was an asset, and the councillor was glad it was to be saved. The councillor supported the application.

12.      Councillor Shanks considered the application to be good for this important building. The ceiling was considered to be fantastic, and the councillor would like to see it finished.

13.      Councillor Cattell considered the application to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rejuvenate the building. The councillor considered the city required a medium size performance space and supported the application.

14.      Councillor Earthey complimented the developers, even though the councillor considered the delivery lorries would be an issue. The councillor supported the application.

15.      Councillor Robinson considered the developer to be doing a great job, however, they had a few concerns. Overall, the councillor supported the application.

16.      Councillor Nann supported the application.

17.      Councillor Sheard considered the scheme to be a wonderful opportunity to create a great amenity in the lanes, which would pull people to this part of the city. The councillor considered it to be good that the developer was a family business.

18.      Councillor Winder considered the scheme to be a wonderful opportunity and they supported the application.

19.      Councillor Loughran considered the building to be a very important heritage asset and the loss would be significant. The councillor considered the developer was doing a good job and the scheme would have limited impact on the area. The councillor supported the application.

Vote

20.      A vote was taken, and the committee unanimously agreed the officer recommendations. (Councillor Miller took no part in the discussion process or the vote).

21.      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)        Completion of a s106 Agreement and secure the Heads of Term as set out below:

o    Employment and Training Strategy

o    Contribution of £70,800 for Employment and Skills Training

o    Contribution for monitoring obligations (Events Management Plan)

o    Contribution for monitoring obligations (Delivery and Servicing

Management Plan)

o    Contribution for monitoring obligations (Travel Plan)

B)        The Conditions & Informatives set out at Appendix B SAVE THAT should the s106 agreement not be completed on or before 3rd August 2024 the Head of Planning is hereby authorised to refuse planning permission for the reasons set out in Appendix C of the report.