Agenda item - BH2025/01881 - Withdean Sports Complex, Tongdean Lane, Brighton - Full Planning

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

Speakers

2.   Simon Farncombe addressed the committee as a neighbouring resident and stated that they were not against the pool but the additional traffic. Is the park-and-ride still active, or not. Signage was removed in November. Is the park-and-ride, formal or informal. Is there to be an application for a two-storey car park to accommodate the additional planning requirements. The proposed walkway doesn’t go anywhere. Pedestrians will use other access points. The proposed access will increase flooding to Tolldean Lane. Please defer the application to discuss the parking intensification, coach and bus access, pedestrian access, facility creep, the need for a two-storey car park and consideration of the Buxton report sent via email to the committee.

3. Tom Cox addressed the committee as the agent on behalf of the applicant and stated that the park and ride at the site was not formal. Discussions are currently being held with Highways regarding car park opening times. The pool is a great addition to the community.

Answers to Committee Members Questions

4. Councillor Shanks was informed by Principal Transport Development Officer that the lane from the train station to the site was not deemed accessible for all. The Transport Strategy Manager stated that the car park charges are free for 3 hours, £3 per day and £10 overnight.

5. Councillor Earthey was informed by the Transport Strategy Manager that ‘park and ride’ would usually follow the Oxford City model, however, here that is not possible. There is a lack of integrated ticketing. The Falmer campus trial results are being looked at. The case officer stated the parking numbers were relevant.

6. Councillor Theobald was informed that there was seating at the poolside, however, no competitions were held at the pool, and the pool was for community use. There is no provision for coach parking presently, however, this would be introduced into the new car park. The Principal Transport Development Officer confirmed that coaches currently drop off on Tolldean Lane and Withdean Lane, on double yellow lines. The number of coaches is not known. Two small trees are to be removed.

7. Councillor Parrott was informed that there was disabled access to the building with the addition of both external and internal ramps. Access to the pool is already in place with wide corner stairs. A hoist is also available. The agent confirmed that all consultees fully endorsed the facilities.

8. Councillor Sheard was informed by the agent that flooding on site had been assessed under the 1/100-year model. Storm water attenuation has been introduced with a permeable paving system. The case officer confirmed that water collection details would be provided by condition. Currently water runs off to the side boundary swale.

9. Councillor Thomson was informed that the biodiversity net gain would be 10% and this would be onsite provision by landscaping and off-site units. The Ecology team are happy with the application and the condition to provide updates. 34 small trees are be introduced across the site with, details to be provided by condition. Two trees are to be lost from the overflow car park. The majority of trees are to be retained.

10. Councillor Winder was informed that the landowner will maintain the new trees, with details by condition.

Debate

11. Councillor Theobald considered the building design to be bland. It was a shame that trees would be lost, as well as parking spaces. The swimming pool is good for the community as training in the city is good for safety and a healthy lifestyle. The councillor supported the application.

12. Councillor Sheard considered that teaching residents to swim was good and the pool will be a benefit to the area, which outweighs the loss of parking. The councillor supported the application.

13. Councillor Shanks noted that getting around the city actively via buses and bikes, was good.

14. Councillor Robinson considered the new pool to be fantastic and will add little pressure to parking. Visitors should use buses and bikes.

15. Councillor Earthey considered it was good to use public transport. The councillor supported the application.

16. Councillor Thomson noted that it had been 40 years since a new pool was built in the city and considered that parking was important. The councillor supported the application.

Vote

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

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.