Agenda item - Application BH2011/03796, 18 Wellington Rd, Brighton

Application to extend time limit for implementation of previous approval BH2008/03248 for part demolition and conversion of the existing building and construction of a new 3-storey block to provide a total of 26 self-contained units with 24 hour support for people with learning/physical disabilities and the provision of a drop-in learning disability centre for people with learning/physical disabilities.

(1)                   It was noted that this application had formed to the subject of a site visit prior to the meeting.

(2)                   The Senior Planning Officer, Aidan Thatcher, gave a presentation detailing the scheme as set out in the report by reference to plans, photographs and elevational drawings. The site was on the south side of Wellington Road, in a largely residential area; and contained a large detached Victorian villa. The application sought to extend the time limit for an extant consent BH2008/03248; the site had been subject to consultation, and the key issues were set out in the report. The height, scale, bulk and massing had been considered acceptable by the previous consent, and it was noted there had been some demolition on site but the Council had taken the view that this did not implement the consent. There had been no changes to material planning considerations, since the previous consent and, as such, the recommendation was that the Committee be minded to grant subject to a Section 106 Agreement and for the reasons set out in the report.

Questions for Officers, Debate and Decision Making Process

(3)                   In response to a query from Councillor Simson it was confirmed that the proposed clause in the Section 106 Agreement restricting the use of the development to provision of housing for those with learning and physical disabilities had been included in the previous consent.

(4)                   Councillor Hyde welcomed the development as it was in keeping with buildings in the wider area, and she would be voting with the Officer recommendation.

(5)                   Councillor Carol Theobald welcomed the retention of the original Victorian villa, and she stated she would be voting with the Officer recommendation.

(6)                   Councillor Hawtree noted that there was a mixture of buildings in the road and stated his broad support for the scheme.

(7)                   A vote was taken and the 12 Members present voted unanimously that the extension to time limit for full planning be granted.

157.1    RESOLVED – That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation and the policies and guidance set out in the report and is MINDED TO GRANT planning permission subject to a Section 106 Agreement and the Conditions and Informatives set out in the report.