Agenda item - BH2022/02577 - Madeira Terrace, Madeira Drive, Brighton - Full Planning

1.       The Planning Manager introduced applications D and E to the committee, stating they would be discussed at the same time. The case officer updated the committee and stated that one further letter of support had been received and two letters of objection. No new issues had been raised apart from location.

Answers to Committee Member Questions

2.       Councillor Yates was informed by the case officer that the new lift had been considered at pre-application stage when the design, usability and materials had been considered. There are maintenance plans in place. The existing lift will be updated removing the necessity for operator and the by condition there will be management and maintenance plans. The lift will operate all hours, be wheelchair accessible, with entrances lit at night.

3.       Councillor Moonan was informed by the case officer that there were no specific plans for water fountains, however, these would not require planning permission. There were conditions referring to maintenance plans for the lift and management. The lower level will be flexible use for Pop-up events with seating, space allowed, drainage, water and electric points included.

4.       Councillor Yates was further informed that the upper level balustrade public safety issues were not a planning matter.

5.       Councillor Childs was informed by the case officer that 22 car parking spaces would be lost to create 3 access points from the verges with pedestrian crossings. A conscious effort had been made to make the design of the new lift different from the existing, allowing the older lift to retain prominence in the terrace.

Debate

6.       Councillor Yates supported the changes and updates of this area that is the jewel of the city. The councillor did not want to lose the promenade area and considered the design met the needs of the city. The proposals improve the area with better access through the lifts and stairs for this key way of getting to the beach. The promenade is heritage asset, and the proposals enhance and protect the area.

7.       Councillor Ebel considered the proposals to be a good design with flexible spaces under the arches being good for pop-up events. The improvements in lifts and stairs improved accessibility. The Councillor supported the application.

8.       Councillor Childs considered the area was currently an embarrassment to the city and the design of the new lift was not good, however, the Councillor supported the application.

9.       Councillor Littman supported the application as it was a good design, and the accessibility was good. Historic England support the lift design and the access outweighed any impact.

Vote

Item D: Planning Permission

10.      A vote was taken, and the committee agreed unanimously to grant planning permission. (Councillors Hugh-Jones and Janio took no part in the decision making process or vote).

11.      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.

Item E: Listed Building Consent

12.      A vote was taken, and the committee agreed unanimously to grant planning permission. (Councillors Hugh-Jones and Janio took no part in the decision making process or vote).

13.      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 Listed Building Consent subject to the Conditions and Informatives in the report.