Agenda item - Application BH2011/03887, Land east of 55 Highcroft Villas, Brighton

Application to extend the time limit for implementation of previous approval BH2007/03843 for the erection of an apartment building containing 24 flats with parking access.

(1)          The Senior Planning Officer, Guy Everest, gave a presentation detailing the scheme as set out in the report by reference to plans, photographs and elevational drawings. The site had previously been used in connection with the railway line; Highcroft Villas was a residential street containing a mixture of different building styles. The application sought to extend the time limit for implementation of an extant permission, BH2007/03843 which had been granted at appeal. The site would contain 24 residential units, 10 of which would be affordable, and it varied in height due to the variation of the ground level. Vehicular access would be off Highcroft Villas, and the proposals had provision for 24 residential spaces and five for visitors. The proposed use of the site had been deemed appropriate by the previous consent, and, as such, the recommendation was that the Committee be minded to grant the application subject to a Section 106 Agreement and for the reasons set out in the report.

              Questions for Officers, Debate and Decision Making Process

(2)          Councillor Hawtree noted that the previous application had been refused by the Committee, but granted on appeal. He felt there was little distinction to the proposals, but noted that the scheme had already been deemed appropriate by the previous consent, and the Senior Lawyer, Hilary Woodward, noted that the Committee needed to mindful of this consent when making their decision.

(3)          Councillor Carden highlighted his objection to the previous scheme, and stated that his position had not changed.

(4)          Councillor Rufus asked a question in relation to ecology, and it was explained that slowworms were present on the site; however, the Section 106 Agreement had a clause to mitigate the loss of habitat.

(5)          In response to a query from Councillor Farrow it was confirmed that there was no evidence of badger sets on the site.

(6)          It was confirmed to Councillor Carol Theobald that the height had not changed from the scheme granted in the previous consent.

(7)          On a vote of 6 to 2 with 4 abstentions the extension to time limit for full planning was granted.

157.2    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.