Agenda item - BH2021/01810 - Saltdean Lido, Saltdean Park Road, Saltdean - Full Planning

1.    The Planning Manager introduced the application to the committee and highlighted the items on the late list.

Speakers

2.    Ward Councillor Mears addressed the committee and stated that they supported the application, and this was an opportunity to bring the Lido back to life. It was considered that the site was a good mix of leisure and community use which shows that the city does not finish at the Marina and extends to Saltdean. The wheelchair access is welcomed as are the swimming lessons. Having visited the site, the councillor understands the application and supports both the planning application and the listed building consent.

Questions

3.    Councillor Yates was informed by the case officer that the travel management schedule was not too onerous on the developer. There were 240 spaces in the car park approximately, some of which are shared. Any events at the venue will be covered by licensing arrangements and any knock-on effects are not deemed unacceptable.

4.    Councillor Hugh-Jones was informed by the case officer that a cycle parking condition was attached to the application which required details. Additional bays could be used for disabled parking once the designated bays were full. Solar panels are not suitable for this listed building. Insulation will be inserted into the concrete of the proposed extensions with the addition of an air source heat pump. These were accepted under the previous planning permission in 2016. One tree will be affected which would prevent the erection of scaffolding and may undermine the building. The condition for landscaping will cover any trees to be planted at the site.

5.    Councillor Shanks was informed that the Beach Access Team would be able to change in the main building.

6.    Councillor Childs was informed by the applicant’s agent that the plant room is to be located at the side of the building as this will allow more space inside the existing building and be easier to access. It was noted that any asbestos has been removed prior to any works.

Debate

7.    Councillor Yates considered the Lido to be a fantastic community asset and was glad to see it coming back to full use. Transport was a concern with car parks being open to all and disabled users finding paces full at times, and no electric car charging points. The councillor stated their support for the application.

8.    Councillor Hugh-Jones considered the facility to be fantastic and felt the building could generate funds. Improvements to the disabled parking would good.

9.    Councillor Childs noted the Lido was easy to get too by bike and events would promote the venue which was an asset to the city. The councillor asked for free swimming lessons for the under 16 year olds. The councillor supported the application.

10. Councillor Hugh-Jones requested an extra condition to ensure the number of cycle parking bays and the number of disabled bays to align with the transport officer’s comments.

11. The applicant’s agent noted the cycle parking proposed was for 10 cycles and if this was successful more would be added. The agent was not sure that 40 could be achieved, however an additional 10 to 15 spaces would possible. It was noted that there were no restrictions on car parking at the Lido at the moment and more disabled bays would be possible. A lift to access all levels and a hoist into the pool have been added.

12. Councillor Ebel was informed by the agent that increased parking would result in a loss off verging in the car park.

13. The case officer considered that the conditions requiring details for the parking spaces could help to achieve extra disabled spaces.

14. The Senior Solicitor noted an informative could be inserted giving the committee expectations as a condition would not automatically come back to committee.

15. Councillor Hugh-Jones stated the numbers for disabled parking were from the highways team and the committee should ask for 40 cycle and 23 disabled spaces.

16. The applicant’s agent stated that the highways statement had been written by the applicant, not the BHCC highways officer. The figures were based on the venue being full all the time.

17. The Head of Transport stated their comments had been based on minimum levels and it would be difficult to confirm the actual number of spaces. A condition relating to car parking management would be the best way forward.

18. The Planning manager informed the committee that the applicant was to supply a parking management plan. The plan would look at what is achievable.

19. Councillor Yates was informed by the Planning Manager that the management plan for car parking would look at the uses of the spaces and cycle parking has not been agreed. Condition 30 would supply the number of parking spaces.

20. Councillor Yates proposed the change to include a car park management plan and cycle spaces for different types of cycle which was seconded by Councillor Childs.

21. A vote was taken, and the committee voted unanimously that there was to be a condition for a car-park management plan.

22. A vote was taken, and the committee voted unanimously that there was to be an informative stating the expectation of the Committee was that 40 cycle spaces would be provided.

23. A vote was taken, and the committee voted 5 for 1 that there be an informative that the expectation of the Committee was that 23 disabled parking spaces would be provided.

24. A vote was taken, and the committee voted unanimously that condition 30 would be amended to require spaces for a variety of types of cycle.

Vote

25. A vote was taken, and the committee voted unanimously that planning permission be granted.

26. 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 in the report and the change to condition 30 and a condition requiring a car park management plan (i.e., if not cond.30) and the additional informatives.