Agenda item - BH2022/02956 - Land to the Rear and Side of 48 Lockwood Crescent, Brighton - Full Planning

1.    The Planning Manager introduced the application to the committee.

Speakers

2.    Josef Huber acting as the agent addressed the committee and stated that the site was a disused plot with no passing traffic. The agent considered a higher quality build was needed in the area and the proposals would have a minimal impact on the streetscene, have a respect for the setting and improve the outlook for neighbours. The build would sustainable and environmentally friendly. The family friendly home will be accessible for all ages with good views from the bedrooms. The proposals have been altered following officer feedback.

Answers to Committee Member Questions

3.    Councillor Hugh-Jones was informed that three bedrooms would have less than a metre between side elevations and the boundary fencing. The agent confirmed that the windows are large, allowing lots of light and that the size of the neighbouring garden had been increased through the removal of the existing garage.

Debate

4.    Councillor Yates believed in finding additional space in the city for housing, however, this was not the right location. The amenities for the neighbours or occupiers were not considered acceptable. The councillor supported the officer recommendation to refuse.

5.    Councillor Theobald stated they were torn on the application and were surprised by the number of objections. The councillor supported the proposals against the officer recommendation.

Vote

6.    A vote was taken, and by 6 to 1 the committee agreed to refuse the application in line with the officer recommendation. (Councillors Moonan and Shanks did not vote and took no part in the decision making).

7.    RESOLVED: That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in the report and resolves to REFUSE planning permission for the reasons ser out in the report.