Agenda item - BH2022/02830 - Hove Western Lawns and Hove Lagoon, Kingsway, Hove - Full Planning

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

Speakers

2.    Ward Councillor Appich addressed the committee and stated that they were supporting the new linear park and were grateful for all the work, consultations, residents’ comments and action group responses. The councillor expressed some concerns at the height of the proposed sports facilities building, however everything else was much improved and they were looking forward to the scheme being implemented. The committee were requested to support the proposals.

3.    Susan Howard addressed the committee as a resident objecting to the application and stated that they represented other residents. The proposals were not in keeping with the Sackville Gardens area and they objected to the loss of space and the 6 metre high floodlights were not suitable. Noise would be increased as more sports were proposed for this space next to the King Alfred Sports Centre. The committee were requested to not support the application. 

4.    The applicant Vicki Linton-Cooke stated they had worked with Members and other partners and groups and noted the size of the scheme was confined by budget from the Levelling Up fund which gave money for the regeneration of the western lawns. The new linear park was designed to meet the needs of the residents, who were consulted throughout the process. The council had been working with new and existing stakeholders to produce a business case. The proposals will improve access, protect key heritage features and biodiversity. The park is designed to bring benefit to all.

Answers to Committee Member Questions

5.    Councillor Hugh-Jones was informed that the landscaping and biodiversity would be monitored by condition, the sports hub would be heated by air source heat pumps and the sands sports area would be sunken down to reduce the impact of the fencing and would not be close to the bowls green. The sports facilities have been designed in consultation with various groups to ensure better access for all.

6.    Councillor Yates was informed that the outdoor sports hub will include a lift.

7.    Councillor Shanks was informed that the existing public toilets were not included in the scheme for refurbishment as there were not enough funds. There are other toilets in the proposals which will include increased changing areas and showers. A management plan will cover the use of these proposed facilities to ensure they are available to the public. The noise impact has been considered and is acceptable.

8.    Councillor Moonan was informed that the events space and sunken garden were available for all to hire and restrictions on the size and frequency of events would apply. Events would be allowed on 28 days each year, with any more requiring a planning application. Events will be managed through the council events team. The bund on the lawns to prevent access will be replaced and a wider footway added once works are finished. The Planning Manager noted that the businesses applying for events could not be controlled under planning legislation. The use of cycles off cycleways is restricted by by-laws and users of the wheeled park space will be required to dismount to access the area. The wheeled area will not have a specific area for parents teaching children to cycle etc. The signage around the area is to be agreed by condition.

9.    Councillor Theobald was informed that the sprinklers do not form part of the planning application and will be dealt with under Building Control. The proposals include a bar in the sports hub and number of toilets has been increased. The existing buildings in front of the gardens are to be demolished and native meadow planted. The bowling green building is also to be removed.

10. Councillor Janio was informed that the croquet area was much used and would remain.

Debate

11. Councillor Yates considered the new linear park to be good to regalvanise the sports area with improved access, toilets, and restaurant. The councillor believed that the number of car journeys to the site would increase as the area became a destination for all the city, however the existing arrangements seem acceptable. The scheme will be an asset to this part of the city, which has recently lost some character. The councillor supported the application.

12. Councillor Theobald considered the facilities to be wonderful and the project much needed with better access and more toilets. The councillor supported the application.

13. Councillor Shanks considered the scheme looked good and needed doing and hoped the costs would not be prohibitive. The councillor supported the application.

14. Councillor Hugh-Jones was concerned at the loss of green space; however, they noted the other areas the scheme created. The councillor supported the application.

15. Councillor Moonan was concerned about the cycle areas and considered planning needed to look at the dangers of cycles and scooters. The by-laws need to be enforced.

16. Councillor Janio considered that Brighton received investments, however there was not much in Hove. The councillor considered private investment would have helped the scheme. The councillor supported the application.

17. Councillor Littman noted the improvements and understood the concerns regarding cycles etc. The councillor supported the application and considered that the scheme would attract more people using sustainable transport. The councillor hoped the biodiversity would eventually be increased and native trees would be used in the landscaping.

Vote

18. A vote was taken, and the committee agreed unanimously to grant planning permission.

19. 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 set out in the report.