Agenda item - BH2020/03549 - 74A Hollingbury Road, Brighton BN1 7JA - Full Planning

1.         The Planning Manager introduced the report and gave a detailed presentation using enhanced visuals.

            Speakers

2.         Councillor Fowler spoke in her capacity as a Local Ward Councillor setting out her objections to the proposed scheme. Whilst the site could take further development the site was inadequate to accommodate four, four-bedroom houses. Vehicular access would be problematic as there was single-lane access to the site with limited outside space and a very limited garden area in view of the anticipated level of occupancy.

3.         Mr Strickland spoke on behalf of the applicants in support of their application. He stated that careful consideration had been given to the viability of the site and the applicant had worked closely with officers in order to overcome residents’ concerns and to provide high quality family dwellings without detriment to neighbouring amenity.

            Questions of Officers

4.         Councillor Theobald asked for information regarding differences between the earlier application and the current one and for visuals showing its impact on Hollingdean Terrace.

5.         Councillor Osborne enquired regarding access to the site for refuse collection purposes and it was confirmed that kerbside collections could take place without the need for vehicles to enter the site.

            Debate

6.         Councillor Theobald stated that she could not support the application, having carried out her own site visit she considered that the site was too cramped for the form of development proposed.

7.         Councillor Janio was in agreement having looked at the site via Google Maps, he was of the view that the vehicular access arrangements were far too narrow and he could not support the application on that basis.

8.         Councillor Osborne noted all that had been said but on balance supported the application.

9.         Councillor Shanks stated that the site was well served by public transport and it should not be assumed that all future residents would be vehicle owners.

10.       Councillor Childs stated that on balance he supported the application.

11.       The Chair, Councillor Littman, noted that the access arrangements were narrow and the site would be developed to its optimum. Notwithstanding that he was prepared to support the application.

12.       A vote was taken and on a vote of 7 to 2 planning permission was granted.

124.5    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 also set out in the report.

            Note: Councillor Miller was not present at the meeting when the vote was taken.