Agenda item - BH2025/01627 - Royal Pavilion Gardens, Pavilion Buildings, Brighton - Removal or Variation of Condition

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

Answers to Committee Members Questions

2.       Councillor Pickett was informed that the viability of the scheme was an issue and on balance the application to vary condition 4 was acceptable. 17 trees are to be removed, and 13 new trees planted by condition, with more expected in the landscaping on site. The Estate Regeneration Project Manager noted that the main focus of the project was to be the heritage aspects of the scheme. The gardens are grade II listed, and funding is coming from the National Lottery, which is tied to the heritage enhancements. If the application is refused the project is at risk.

3.       Councillor Cattell was informed that the funding was tight, there are conditions attached on the funding which should be used for on-site improvements.

4.       Councillor Winder was informed that the scheme was approved in 2023, and the ecological solutions remain the same. The project ecologist confirmed that the habitat units required to be provided as per the current BNG metric are higher than those required in the original metric, but when the application was originally approved in 2023.

5.       Councillor Theobald was informed that there were no changes to the approved scheme, in respect of the landscaping.

6.       Councillor Earthey was informed that the scheme would open up the original John Nash views.

Debate

7.       Councillor Robinson considered more trees were needed in the city, but not on this site.

8.       Councillor Cattell noted there were no objections and the changes were minimal. There was no need to refuse. The councillor supported the application.

9.       Councillor Nann wished the work of art to be restored and supported the application.

10.      Councillor Theobald considered the scheme to be mostly good; however, too many trees were to be removed, and there were anti-social behaviour issues at the site, and the gardens are currently a mess. The councillor supported the application.

11.      Councillor Sheard considered the Royal Pavilion to be the jewel in the crown of the city, and the gardens the frame the pavilion. The councillor wished the gardens to be preserved and supported the application.

12.      Councillor Parrott agreed with other Members and noted that the regulations going forward would be changing.

13.      Councillor Robinson considered the gardens needed to look gorgeous and supported the application.

14.      Councillor Earthey supported the application.

15.      Councillor Thomson considered the heritage aspects to be at risk for this most important building. The councillor supported the application.

Vote

16.      A vote was held, and the committee agreed unanimously to grant planning permission.

17.      RESOVLED: 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.