Agenda item - BH2024/01452 - Site of 239 to 243 Kingsway, Hove - Full Planning

36.1                The case officer introduced the application to the Committee.

Speakers

36.2                Francis Mitchell, the clerk, read a representation from Councillor Nann who was unable to attend the meeting. Councillor Nann’s representation stated that the generator was large, visually intrusive and potentially noisy. Councillor Nann requested that the committee protect local residents by imposing conditions ensuring that the generators impact was minimized as much as possible. Councillor Nann stated that residents should be notified in advance of the proposed annual noise test and communicated with regarding the definition of what constituted an ‘emergency’ to avoid confusion regarding unexpected use of the generator.

Answers to Committee Members questions

36.3                Councillor Earthey was informed that the generator was required as the building was over 8 stories tall in order to power sprinkler systems during a catastrophic event. Councillor Earthey was also informed that as the system was not a green energy source it would not be used to provide energy to the grid.

36.4                Councillor Allen was informed that the application was exempt from biodiversity net gain as it was an application for retrospective planning permission. Councillor Allen was also informed due to the size of the application it would be exempt due to not impacting on a sufficient area of habitat.

36.5                Councillor Thomson was informed that the generator in its current position had already been agreed in principle, and that a condition had been placed on the application requiring timber screening to be installed within two months.

36.6                Councillor Theobald questioned whether the generator could be better obscured and was informed that timber screening would be required to do so.

36.7                Councillor Galvin was informed that the generator was powered by the national grid.

Debate

36.8                Councillor Allen shared that they felt the application was reasonable and stated that they would be voting in favour of the application.

36.9                Councillor Theobald stated that as the generator would be used only for emergencies, and that it would be obscured from view by screening and landscaping, they would be voting in favour of the application.

36.10            Councillor Thomson stated that they would be supporting the application.

36.11            Councillor Winder stated that they would reluctantly support the application, sharing their feeling that the application was necessary but of minimal effort.

36.12            Councillor Robinson stated that they would support the application.

Vote

36.13            A vote was taken on the application that was agreed unanimously.