Agenda item - BH2022/03483 - Court Farm, Hove - Full Planning

1.    The Case Officer introduced the application to the committee.

Answers to Committee Member Questions

2.    Councillor Shanks was informed by the Principal Transport Development Officer that National Highways own the roundabout on the A27 and would not allow an exit into the site from the roundabout. Alistair Close for the applicant stated that the impact on all users had been assessed.

3.    Councillor Fishleigh was informed by the Principal Transport Development Officer that the bus number 21 will receive a contribution to run an evening service to the site and to make bus stop improvements with digital displays. The bus stop will be a terminal stop.

4.    Councillor Nann was informed by the Principal Transport Development Officer that a north-south bus route was not feasible as this was not a megastore.

5.    Councillor Loughran was informed by the Principal Transport Development Officer that there would not be an extra stop for number 21 bus, however, the pedestrian access will also be improved to the existing stop. The impact of extra traffic has been assessed by an independent consultant. Alistair Close for the applicant stated that surveys were undertaken of existing shopping habits, showing other stores particularly in Portslade were over capacity so it was likely some shoppers would come here instead which were not therefore additional trips on the road network. The Principal Transport Development Officer noted that the site was adjoining a major urban extension with future residents likely to shop there. Nick Bradshore for the applicant stated that the bus stop was 350m from the site. The plan was for 107 car parking spaces. All users of the roundabout have been considered including cyclists and walkers. The travel plan is for 5 years. The

Principal Transport Development Officer noted that the access had been audited for safety, and that although the site was not the most accessible in the city there was no reason to refuse the application on highway grounds. The amount of traffic was found acceptable.

6.    Councillor Theobald was informed by the Principal Transport Development Officer that 50 members of staff would be on a rota. The parking scheme assumes staff will travel by other modes; however, they can park on site if necessary. Nick Bradshore for the applicant stated that there would be a central turning lane into the site, designed to slow traffic flow, not to queue. The Principal Transport Development Officer noted a Transport Assessment had taken place and National Highways had been very involved. Alistair Close for the applicant stated that modelling for traffic onto the roundabout, including weekends, which was found to be less than weekdays.

7.    Councillor Thomson was informed by Nick Bradshore for the applicant there would be 107 car parking spaces. The travel plan is based on no overspill.

Debate

8.    Councillor Allen supported the application as considered the scheme to be a good design and the transport issues have been adequately mitigated.

9.    Councillor Sheard noted the supermarket would be available for Toads Hole Valley residents, with good bus access. The councillor supported the application.

10. Councillor Nann supported the application.

11. Councillor Theobald considered traffic to be an issue in the mornings and evenings. The build is considered ugly with an impact on the South Downs National Park. The councillor considered the number 21 bus not to offer a good service.

12. Councillor Winder supported the application as the area had no amenity. The proposals were good and would encourage housing.

13. Councillor Shanks considered an out-of-town supermarket not to be good in this area for country walks. The councillor considered there were other existing supermarkets to use. The councillor was against the application.

14. Councillor Fishleigh considered that the council had spent large sums on bike lanes and buses and an out-of-town supermarket was not a good idea. The councillor was against the application.

15. Councillor Thomson supported the application as they considered there would be no increase in traffic and Toads Hole Valley residents would need a supermarket in walking distance.

16. Councillor Allen considered the s106 would be beneficial to this part of the city, as would the transport.

17. Councillor Sheard considered that shopping by bus was to be encouraged and the supermarket would split up journeys.

18. Councillor Loughran supported the application as the area was not well served with retail and the Toads Hole Valley residents will need food shopping.

Vote

19. A vote was taken, and by 6 to 3 the committee agreed to grant planning permission. (Councillor Galvin took no part in the discussions or decision-making process).

20.  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 and the Conditions and Informatives, SAVE THAT should the s106 Planning Obligation not be completed on or before the 7th December 2024 the Head of Planning is hereby authorised to refuse planning permission for the reasons set out in the final section 12 of the report.