Agenda item - BH2020/01696 - 56-57 Lewes Road - Full Planning

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Agenda item

BH2020/01696 - 56-57 Lewes Road - Full Planning

Minutes:

(1)              It was noted that an in depth presentation had been provided by officers in advance of the meeting and was included on the council website detailing the scheme by reference to site plans, elevational drawings and aerial views which showed the scheme in the context of neighbouring development.

 

(2)        The main considerations in determining the application related to the principle of development, including the provision of the new retail /café unit and purpose built student accommodation, the design of the proposed building and the impact on the streetscene; the standard of accommodation proposed, impact on neighbouring amenity; sustainable transport; sustainability; landscaping and ecology/biodiversity. The application had evolved from the pre-application discussions, and it was considered that design concerns, with regard to appearance, quality of internal space, provision of communal amenity spaces landscaping and biodiversity were now acceptable. Provision of a flexible retail/café unit would be beneficial. It was recognised that this scheme would make a positive and efficient use of the site and approval was therefore recommended subject to the completion of a s106 planning legal agreement, and to the conditions within the report.

 

(3)        Councillor Fishleigh asked whether any discussions had taken place regarding retention of the Co-op store at ground floor level. It was noted that the Co-op was likely to be relocated, but that this did not form part of the present application.

 

(4)        Councillor Shanks asked for confirmation whether the existing loading bay was to be retained and it was explained that it would.

 

(5)        Councillor Miller asked if the hours during which the roof terrace could be used could be imposed and it was stated that it had not been considered necessary to limit these.

 

(6)        Councillor Theobald referred to traffic/transport issues during periods when students moved in/out which had been identified previously. It was explained that discussions had taken place with the highways team and that a student moving in and moving out scheme would be secured through the legal agreement.

 

            Debate and Decision Making Process

 

(7)        Councillor Childs stated that he supported the recommendations, there was a high demand for suitable student accommodation and such provision eased pressure on accommodation across the city. Councillor Childs referred to the fact that 15 local residents had lost their lives during a Second World War bombing raid in 1943, considering that it would be appropriate for a plaque to be erected to commemorate that. Representatives of the applicant were present at the meeting and indicated their willingness to do so and liaise further with Councillor Childs and officers thereon.

 

(8)        Councillor Janio concurred with Councillor Childs, considering that it would be beneficial for members to be informed of the number of family homes or HMOs which were freed-up by implementation of such schemes, and whether student housing was considered to contribute towards housing needs.

 

(9)        Councillor Miller considered that the scheme was acceptable but proposed that in view of the proximity of other dwellings in this residential street that a “curfew” be imposed to limit the times during which the outside terraces could be used in the evening. He considered that a 9.00pm cut off time would be appropriate. The Legal Adviser to the Committee considered that for such a time constraint to be applied it would need to be demonstrated it would be proportionate. The Planning Manager stated that in environmental health terms, night time noise hours were between 11pm and 7am. Councillor Miller proposed that these hours be applied as a condition, it was seconded by Councillor Osborne and Members were in agreement that be applied to any permission granted. A vote was taken on the proposed condition and the vote was carried 8 to 2.

 

(10)      A vote was then taken on the substantive recommendation and the Committee voted unanimously that Minded to Grant planning permission be given..

 

92.2      RESOLVED – That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in the report and resolves to Minded to GRANT planning permission subject to a s106 Agreement on the Heads of Terms set out in the Late List and the Conditions and Informatives set out in the report, to the additional condition set out in the Late, Additional Representations List. and to a condition that the roof terraces not be used between the hours of 11.00pm-7.00am daily. An informative be added requesting a plaque on site to ‘remember the lives lost to a bomb that hit the site in 1943’. SAVETHAT should the s106 Planning Obligation not be completed on or before the 7thApril 2021 the Head of Planning is authorised to refuse planning permission for the reasons set out in paragraph 9.44a of the report:

Supporting documents:

 


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