Agenda item - BH2025/01026 - 40 Selhurst Road, Brighton - Householder Planning Consent

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

Speakers

2.   Philip Leppard addressed the committee as a resident and thanked the case officer for their diligence. The hedge proposed does not reach the garage wall on the boundary. This means not all the boundary will be screened. Please ensure that the hedge continues all the way to the garage. The patio doors replacing the side bathroom windows to the patio should be obscure glazed.

3.   Amir Dadgari addressed the committee as the applicant and stated that the officer report found the changes acceptable and would cause no harm to the neighbouring properties, in accordance with policy. The application regularises the extensions. Conditions require a 1.8m hedge and fencing, which will add privacy. Obscure glazing has been added to the side windows and officers have found the design acceptable. Refusal would prolong issues with neighbours. The committee were requested to approve the application.

Answers to Committee Members Questions

4.   Councillor Robinson was informed that the obscure glazing was considered translucent, however, the proposed boundary screening will resolve this.

5.   Councillor Cattell was informed that the raised ground levels to the rear exceed permitted development rights. If the committee refuse the application, then it is possible that the applicant would be required to reinstate the original ground levels. The Planning Manager confirmed that if the application were refused then the situation would be looked at. It was noted that the applicant would have the right of appeal.

6.   Councillor Nann was informed that the condition relating to the boundary fencing and hedge has been amended but not including an extension of the screening to the garage.

7.   Councillor Pickett was informed that the details of the hedging are to be provided by condition. The applicant confirm that they proposed to extend the hedge to the garage by using planters along the existing steps. It was also noted by the applicant that the obscure glazing on the side windows has been signed off and was deemed to be compliant.

8.   Councillor Thomson was informed by the applicant that the side window obscure glazing had been signed off by the Building Control officer and the planning enforcement officer.

9.   Councillor Sheard was informed that the majority of the works were retrospective, including the patio doors to the study. It was noted that the condition regarding the boundary hedging required Cherry Laurel, as this would be dense, evergreen and would maintain privacy.

10. The Planning Manager confirmed that no obscure glazing was included in the application and Building Control was different to Planning.

11. Councillor Theobald was informed that the ground source heat pump would be located on the north side of the property, and by condition the noise levels are to be background only.

12. Councillor Shanks proposed that condition 2 be enhanced to include reference to fixed planters allowing the hedging to extend to the garage. Wording to be agreed.

13. Councillor Robinson seconded the motion.

14. The committee voted unanimously to amend condition 2.

Vote

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

16. 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.