Agenda item - BH2024/02834 - 9 Princes Square, Hove - Householder Planning Consent

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

Speakers

2.    Polly Tudor-Williams addressed the committee as a resident and stated that they were the neighbour to the applicant, and they objected to the proposals as dust would be created by the demolition work. This is an issue for the family as is noise. The air source heat pump position on the boundary is inconsiderate, the other side of the property would be preferred. No consultation has taken place with the neighbour before the planning application was submitted. The side windows of the scheme should be obscured glazed to protect the privacy of the neighbour. It is also considered that the heritage of the building should be protected.

3.    Steven Chard addressed the committee as the applicant and stated that there were structural issues at the property, and they wanted to bring light back into the house. All planning considerations have been addressed. (The 3 minutes speaking time was shared between the applicant and agent).

4.    Corin Morton addressed the committee as the agent acting on behalf of the applicant and stated that the building was not listed and was built as a match to no.11. The council heritage officers have been consulted. The proposed roof dormer is in keeping with the guidance and the other neighbouring properties who have extended. The new windows will be timber to replace the existing UVPC. The proposed patio will be away from the neighbours at no.11. The basement will be unseen as it is below ground. The committee were requested to agree the application. (The 3 minutes speaking time was shared between the applicant and agent)

Answers to Committee Member Questions

5.    Councillor Earthey was informed that the air source heat pump will have 1m space around and will be placed in a storage cupboard outside on the ground floor.

6.    Councillor Shanks was informed that it not usual for this scale of property to have a condition requiring a construction and environmental management plan (CEMP). It is hoped that the neighbours will liaise.

7.    Councillor Theobald was informed that the air source heat pump could not be moved to opposite side of the property. The side windows facing the neighbour are slot windows for light. The working hours for construction will be covered by standard environmental health requirements. Any issues arising from the works can be looked at by environmental health.

8.    Councillor Robinson was informed that if the air source heat pump were raised to the first floor this would increase noise for neighbours. The case officer stated the location was acceptable in a cupboard with sliding doors.

9.    Councillor Thomson was informed that the new wooden windows would be more efficient. The basement will not be visible and is therefore considered to have no effect on the conservation area. The council Building Regulations will cover the safety of the build. Party Wall agreements cover impact of the development on adjoining neighbours.

Debate

10. Councillor Sheard was concerned that the medical conditions of the neighbour would be harmed by the development. It was noted by the planning manager that the committee could only take a reasonable, objective approach, not whether neighbours had additional sensitivities.

11. Councillor Shanks considered the proposals to be an improvement and supported the application.

12. Councillor Robinson considered the proposals to be an improvement and supported the application.

13. Councillor Thomson asked the neighbours to talk to each other. The councillor supported the application.

14. Councillor Earthey was in favour of the development and supported the application. The councillor requested that the applicant be considerate of the neighbour.

15. Councillor Theobald requested that the applicant be mindful of the neighbour.

16. Vote

17. A vote was taken, and the committee agreed unanimously to grant planning permission. (Councillor Winder took no part in the discussions or decision-making process)

18. RESOLVED: That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in the report and resolves to GRANT planning permission subject to the Conditions and Informatives in the report.