Agenda item - BH2025/03081 - Site of Amex House, Edward Street, Brighton - Full Planning

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

Answers to Committee Member Questions

2.    Councillor Robinson was informed that if they wanted to state no sound or vibration to be audible externally by condition, then the committee would need to propose the condition. The Planning manager cautioned against adding a condition removing outside noise as it was hard to segregate different noises outside a building.

3.    Councillor Shanks was informed that the Use Class Order changed in 2020, and the development was agreed in 2018. Class E now has different elements. Restrictions should only be imposed for good reasons. It was noted that condition 6 was considered sufficient.

4.    Councillor Pickett was informed that insulation would be looked at as part of acoustic mitigation measures required by condition if the application were to be granted.

5.    Councillor Theobald was informed that the ground floor and lower ground floor were agreed as office space in the original planning permission.

6.    Councillor Thomson was informed that the ground floor has been marketed as office space. A climbing wall may be possible under the leisure use class.

7.    Councillor Earthey was informed that by condition a noise reduction scheme needs to be submitted and Environmental Health can take action if there are any issues.

8.    Councillor Shanks was informed that a condition could restrict any amplified sound.

Debate

9.    Councillor Nann considered that climbing walls were not quiet but were very noisy.

10. Councillor Pickett considered thudding an issue, and treadmills should not be used. Bouldering could be installed instead of a climbing wall. As a new building, the councillor hoped the construction was good.

11. Councillor Theobald considered the proposals to be a good use of the space. And as long as there was good sound proofing, the councillor supported the application.

12. Councillor Cattell that most of the ground floors in new developments were empty, and there was a need for employment space as well as light industrial use. It was a shame the space was not used as offices. However, the councillor was glad to see any use for the ground floor. As long as the conditions were robust, the councillor supported the application.

13. Councillor Sheard considered the proposals to be a good use of the space. The location was near St James’ Street, on a main bus route with heavy traffic and not far from a hub of night life, so there will be constant background noise. The gym was a good idea.

14. Councillor Robinson stated they had faith in the planning officers and supported the application.

15. Councillor Cattell considered that new build regulations would have been used to construct the building with some sound insultation. The location is on a route to the hospital near the police station. Blue lights will be common at night and daytime.

16. Councillor Nann noted there was a marked difference between noise and sound. Sound can be controlled, however, noise cannot. The councillor considered the committee needed to be careful.

17. Councillor Robinson proposed a condition to control amplified music. Councillor Earthey seconded the motion.

Vote

18. An individual vote was held and Councillors Cattell, Earthey, Parrott, Robinson, Shanks, Theobald, Pickett and Thomson voted for the proposed condition. Councillors Nann and Sheard voted against the new condition. The new condition was agreed.

Vote

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

20. 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.