Agenda item - BH2019/03433 - 95 Heath Hill Avenue, Brighton BN2 4FH - Full Planning

1.    Councillor Daniel Yates withdrew from the discussions.

2.    Emily Stanbridge (Senior Planning Officer) introduced the application and gave a detailed presentation by reference to site location plans, elevational drawings and photographs. It was noted that the main considerations in the determination of this application relate to the principle of the change of use, the impact of the extension upon the character and appearance of the property, the standard of accommodation provided, the impact on neighbouring properties and transport issues.

Questions for Officer

3.    Councillor Joe Miller was informed that other properties in the street had converted the front garden area to parking. It was noted that this was achievable under Permitted Development.

4.    Councillor Dee Simson was informed that the existing extensions to the semi-detached property were constructed under Permitted Development.

5.    Councillor Sue Shanks was informed that the shared driveway already existed and that there was no restriction to the number of occupiers in a house of multiple occupancy (HMO).

6.    Councillor Joe Miller was informed that the onsite garage could be converted under Permitted Development.

Debate

7.    Councillor Dee Simson expressed concerns that a further bathroom would be required at the property. Councillor Simson stated that the proposal was an overdevelopment of the site which would have an impact on the adjoining neighbours.

8.    Councillor Joe Miller felt the proposal was a very intense use of the site with 9 adults proposed for the property.

9.    Councillor Nick Childs considered the proposal to be overdevelopment and inappropriate on the site with 9 adults being too many occupiers.

10.Councillor Tracey Hill felt that proposals were similar to others that had been refused already and did not support the application. 

11.Vote: The Committee voted against the officer recommendation to Grant by a vote of 2 to 7.

12.Councillor Tracey Hill put forward a motion to Refuse the application on the grounds of increased noise, waste and recycling and disturbance to neighbouring properties. Councillor Joe Miller seconded the motion. It was agreed that the Planning Manager would agree the final form of wording.

13.Vote: The Committee voted to Refuse the application by 7 to 2.

14.The Vote was recorded as follows: For = Cllrs Hill, Littman, Simson, Childs, Fishleigh, Miller, Shanks. Against = Cllrs Janio, Mac Cafferty.