Agenda item - BH2021/01017 - 20 St Helens Drive, Hove - Householder Planning Application

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

Speakers

2.     Ward Councillor Lewry addressed the committee and stated that the application had been a matter of great stress to the local community as there had been many applications on the site and this has been distressing for residents. An application submitted in 2020 was refused for the effect on the neighbours and surrounding area. Each of the following applications reduced or altered the proposals only a little. The local residents are upset with the proposals in this area of bungalows. The development is considered to depart from the style of the area. If granted the application would open the floodgates to more. The proposals would result in loss of views, overlooking and overshadowing. The committee were asked to refuse the application.

3.     The applicant’s agent, Courtney Darby, addressed the committee and stated that the applicants grew up in the area and have a strong relationship with it, with their parents still in the area for which the applicants have an emotional connection and where they plan to retire. The applicant has made many concessions to the planning officer by reducing the scheme, removing the porch, reducing the width of the development, removing the side extension, altering the roofscape and changed the fenestration. Different proposals could have been made under permitted development, but these would have been complicated, however, a certificate of lawfulness has been granted to the property, but the applicants want a better design. It is noted that other development in the area built under permitted development has not been good.

Vote

4.     A vote was taken, and the committee voted unanimously that planning permission be granted. (Councillor Barnett was not present for the vote and took no part in the decision making process).

5.     RESOVLED: 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.