Agenda item - BH2024/03142 - 87 Hove Park Road, Hove - Householder Planning Consent

1.    The Planning Manager introduced the application to the committee.

Speakers

2.    Sinclair Bilton addressed the committee as a neighbouring resident and stated that there had been eight online objections to the application, which is most of the properties near to the application site, and they have all objected. Only one dormer required to have obscure glazing. The applicant will be able to see directly into the neighbour’s kitchen via the skylights. None of the windows are ‘non opening’. There are no side dormers in Hove Park Road, only Velux windows. The dormers at the rear will have panoramic views of the neighbours and will set a precedent. It was noted that Ward Councillor Lyons objects to the scheme.

3.    Ward Councillor Lyons stated that they considered the proposals should not overlook neighbours and the side dormers are not in keeping with the other properties. The side dormers will be able to look into neighbour’s bedrooms and kitchen areas. Other proposals have been refused, and Velux windows installed instead. The dormers also give the property a three-storey appearance. The Councillor requested that the committee refuse the application.

4.    David Williams addressed the committee as the agent acting on behalf of the applicant and stated that the proposals were to be installed under permitted development, however, they decided to submit a planning application. The agent understood the neighbour’s objections, and the side window to the gym has been removed from the scheme. Obscure glazing has been offered. A bat survey has been undertaken, and bat boxes are to be installed. A bat licence will be obtained if the committee agree to grant planning permission.

Answers to Committee Members Questions

5.    Councillor Robinson was informed that the plans have been revised and condition four requires obscure glazing. It was noted that under certain circumstances side windows are permissible under permitted development.

6.    Councillor Shanks was informed that the skylights, when over 1.7m above floor level, can be opened. The neighbour stated that their kitchen was a single storey rear extension with two skylights which allows a view of the proposed position of the dormer window.

7.    Councillor Robinson was informed that limited opening windows would be challenging to enforce and any skylights less than 1.7m above floor level would be required to be fixed shut.

Debate

8.    Councillor Cattell considered the development would not cause harm and the design of the dormers was good. The councillor considered it was unlikely that the applicant would stand at a window and look at the neighbours.

9.    Councillor Sheard stated that they were against the forcing the windows to be shut. The councillor supported the application.

10. Councillor Robinson proposed a motion to amend condition 4 to add obscure glazing to all side dormers. Wording to be agreed.

11. Councillor Earthey seconded the motion.

12. By a vote of 5 to 4, and 1 abstention, the committee agreed to amend condition 2.

Vote

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

14. 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.