Agenda item - BH2023/02859 - Brighton, Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College, 205 Dyke Road, Hove - Full Planning

1.    The case officer introduced the report to the committee.

Speakers

2.    Ward councillor Bagaeen addressed the committee and stated that they welcomed the recommendation to approve the application. The council expressed they wish to invest in schools recently, please agree. It was noted that no other sixth form colleges will close as a result of this development. The objectors’ concerns about the impact of the college on the area are down to other factors, not the college. There are no objections from transport. The new building will be an excellent addition to the site.

3.    Ward Councillors Lyons considered the college a success, starting at 2,000, now 3,500 students, growing to 4,000 in the future. The S106 agreement is good and there are no objections in the ward or from ward councillors. It was noted that more classrooms are needed, and the existing porta-cabins are out of date and improvements are needed. The development may overshadow Crocodile Walk; however, the pathway is mostly used by students, not residents. The committee were asked to agree the application.

4.    Neighbouring Ward Councillor O’Quinn addressed the committee and stated that they were objecting to the application on behalf of residents. The expansion of the college is considered an issue with numbers rising from 2,700 five years ago and now 3,700, and 4,000 soon. Students come from outside the city as well as inside and the numbers are increasing. This is phase three of the master plan, and the development is too big and too high, with a loss of open space. The development will give no break in the building line. The temporary classrooms intended for five years have now been in place 17 years.

5.    Michael Baldwin addressed the committee as the Principal of BHASVIC and stated that the removal of the suboptimal buildings was required. A pre-application enquiry had been submitted in September 2022 with an outline application following in 2023. The temporary buildings are already in situ and the college has been working with the council at all stages. The development has been amended to stop any loss of green space. The new building will be more cost effective and efficient. The design will complement the other new buildings on site. The existing porta-cabins are considered ugly. The student numbers have peaked, and they need to be served. Local residents have been reassured that there will be no loss of green space, and the local community has been effectively engaged with.

Answers to Committee Member Questions

6.    Councillor Shanks was informed that the land is not public open space, and it is shared with Cardinal Newman school. The land to be built on is under the ownership of the college.

7.    Councillor Thomson was informed that Sports England have withdrawn objections now the development will not be on the playing fields, and the netball courts will be reinstated.

8.    Councillor Sheard was informed that the cycle sheds were well used, and additional cycle parking would be provided once capacity was reached, secured through the Travel Plan.

9.    Councillor Loughran was informed that new lighting was not proposed for Crocodile Walk but there will be a lighting strategy secured by condition relating to the site.

10. Councillor Earthy was informed that a lighting strategy is being secured by condition.

11. Councillor Theobald was informed that the netball courts will be reinstated, and they will remain in the same location. Currently provision is found off site.

Debate

12. Councillor Thomson was minded to approve the application as the council should invest in schools.

13. Councillor Robinson was minded to approve the application even though the design was boxy, and lower would be preferred.

14. Councillor Shanks considered the college a great asset and success in the city.

15. Councillor Earthey supported the application as the existing temporary buildings are shanty-like in appearance and need to be removed.

16. Councillor Sheard noted the college is highly rated in Britain and the students need proper buildings to study.

17. Councillor Theobald considered that mostly no objections have been received, however, it was sad to lose some trees. The councillor noted the college was very successful. The red/brown brick design is very good. The councillor supported the application.

18. Councillor Winder supported the application; however, they considered the loss of trees not to be good. The overall plan was good, and the temporary buildings need to go.

19. Councillor Loughran supported the application as they considered the development an appropriate use of space on a very limited site. The scheme respects the open space and is a good high quality design offering good views for the students and no interference with the Brighton Open Air Theatre (BOAT).

Vote

20. A vote was taken and the committee voted unanimously to grant planning permission.

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 s106 agreement and the Conditions and Informatives in the report.