Agenda item - BH2022/01015 - Hove Town Hall, Ground Floor Front, Church Road, Hove - Full Planning

1.    The Planning Manager introduced the application to the committee. The application was discussed at the previous 8 June 2022 committee meeting however proceedings were interrupted when the council chamber was flooded. The conclusion of the discussions were held in the virtual presence of the speakers who had addressed the committee at the last meeting.

Answers to Committee Member Questions

2.    Councillor Yates was informed by the case officer that the decking would be open with no walls or gates. The Planning Manager stated that complaints about anti-social behaviour at the site would be dealt with by the Police, and that the Planning team could only look at design and access. The impact on the amenities of neighbours was considered acceptable and the Police had made no comments.

3.    Councillor Hugh-Jones was informed by the case officer that the shrub to be lost was the one closest to Platform 9 and the external treatments of the proposed decking would be submitted by condition.

4.    Councillor Moonan was informed by the Planning Manager that the liability for accidents would be with the council as landlord, and this was not a Planning matter. The applicant stated that the decking would be open to the public and customers, and the opening times would match restaurants in the area. The councillor requested that signage indicate that the decking was open to all and that a closing time of 7 or 8pm would be preferred. The applicant stated that the application was supported by the wine bar opposite the site and that signage would be displayed inviting users to sit on the decking, also patrons would be given priority over non patrons for seating on the decking. The Planning Manager noted that at the last meeting 9pm had been suggested.

5.    Councillor Childs was informed by the applicant that the replacement foliage would match the existing by condition. The agent noted that the nearby pub closed the outside space between 10.30 and 11pm.

6.    Councillor Shanks was informed by the applicant that the opening hours of Platform 9 were 8am to 6pm on the ground floor, with the second floor being open 24 hours a day, however events did take place monthly that went on as late as 10pm.

Debate

7.    Councillor Moonan considered the application was difficult to decide as the proposals would enhance the local area, with a low impact and a boost to the area, however, they had concerns about opening times as this was not a pub or restaurant. The councillor considered that the monthly events could lead to a substantial change in times, and they considered 9pm to be appropriate. The councillor proposed a condition for no use of outdoor areas after 9pm. The condition was seconded by Councillor Yates.

8.    Councillor Yates considered balancing amenity impact over potential, and noted that the proposal provides a functional space, was not visually intrusive or impactful on the amenities of others. The councillor considered the 9pm closing of outdoor space a good idea. The councillor supported the application.

9.    Councillor Shanks considered the additional condition was not needed and they supported the application as submitted.

10. Councillor Childs expressed concerns over noise, however they considered the use of the space to be good. The councillor proposed a condition to close the outside space at 8pm. The proposal was not seconded.

11. Councillor Hugh-Jones supported the application which was considered to bring life to a tired area. The application was considered to improve the space and granting permission would support a local business.

12. Councillor Littman considered the proposals to be a good use of the area and welcomed the replacement of lost foliage.

Vote

13. A vote was taken, and the additional condition to close the outside space by 9pm was agreed by 6 to 1.

14. A vote was taken, and by 6 to 1, the committee agreed to grant planning permission.

15. 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.

An additional condition was added at Planning Committee: The outdoor decking area shall not be in use after 9pm Monday to Sunday.

Reason: To safeguard the amenities of the locality and to comply with policies SU10 and QD27 of the Brighton & Hove Local Plan.