Agenda item - BH2022/02167 - 35 - 36 Egremont Place, Brighton - Full Planning

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

Answers to Committee Member Questions

2.    Councillor Theobald was informed that the building was no longer fit for use as a care home and that 12 trees are to be removed, none of which were considered suitable for Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). The proposals will be similar in height to the existing buildings.

3.    Councillor Barnett was informed that the residents have already been rehoused in better facilities in the city.

4.    Councillor Hugh-Jones was informed that green roofs will be added to the new block and mews houses.

5.    Councillor Janio considered the loss of the care home a sad loss. They were informed that following a review the lack of facilities and site limitations meant it was better to move residents to better care homes rather than upgrade the site.

Debate

6.    Councillor Yates noted the City Plan Part Two (CPPT) criteria were met however affordable housing should have been included. The wording ‘or a commuted sum in lieu’ should be removed from the Heads of Terms.

7.    Councillor Hugh-Jones was concerned at the loss of accommodation; however, they understood the building to be empty since 2019 and had been underused. The councillor supported the application.

8.    Councillor Theobald was not happy with the lack of affordable housing.

Vote

9.    A vote was taken, and by 6 to 1 the committee agreed to grant planning permission. (Councillors Shanks and Childs took no part in the vote or the decision making process).

10. RESOLVED: That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in the report and resolves to be MINDED TO GRANT planning permission subject to a s106 agreement and the following Conditions and Informatives as set out in the report.