Agenda item - BH2022/03609 - 4-6 Longridge Avenue, Saltdean, Brighton - Full Planning

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

Speakers

2.       Ward Councillor Fishleigh addressed the committee and stated that the green roofs were a heritage feature and need to be protected. The councillor noted the leaseholder was happy to look for green tiles and to explore options. The committee were requested to refuse the application.

3.       Zoe Horton addressed the committee as the agent and stated that the building was not listed or in a conservation area. It was noted that the roof has failed leading to the closer of the pub on a number of occasions. The reroofing is not taken lightly, and have searched for tiles, which are not available in the UK. Reclaimed tiles have the same issue, cracking along the ridge. All channels have been investigated to find tiles.

Answers to Committee Member Questions

4.       Councillor Yates was informed by the agent that the tiles cannot be found. The colour is not available in painted tiles and the roof needs to be replaced.

5.       Councillor Moonan was informed by the agent that it was not possible to remove the roof, make water tight and replace the roof as the tiles have failed.

6.       Councillor Littman was informed that the green roofs of Saltdean are attractive but not protected and therefore not a reason for refusal.

Debate

7.       Councillor Yates was concerned at the impact of the development on the character of area. The existing pub is attractive and of interest.

8.       Councillor Hugh-Jones understood the existing tiles have defects and reclaimed have the same issue. The councillor supported the granting of planning permission.

9.       Councillor Theobald considered the green tiles look nice and were a part of the Saltdean character.

10.      Councillor Allbrooke noted the green tiles were part of the area and noted the hospitality was struggling. The councillor agreed with the recommendation.

11.      Councillor Moonan considered there were issues with reclaimed tiles, however, they felt there were alternatives and did not support the officer recommendation to grant.

12.      Councillor Littman considered that if permission were granted, then all the Saltdean green roofs could go. The councillor noted DM18 policy of City Plan Part 2 and considered the proposals would have a negative sense of space. The councillor did support the granting of planning permission.

Vote

13.      A vote was taken, and by 1 to 5, with 1 abstention, the committee did not agree with the officer recommendation.

14.      Councillor Littman proposed a refusal relating to City Plan Part 2 policy, seconded by Councillor Yates, with the wording to be agreed.

15.      A recorded vote was taken, and Councillors Moonan, Shanks, Theobald, Yates, Allbrooke and Littman voted in favour of the refusal. Councillor Hugh-Jones voted against the refusal. The refusal was agreed.

16.      RESOLVED: That the Committee has taken into consideration and refuses planning permission for the following reasons: ‘The change in tiles from green glazed roof tiles to clay roof tiles would contribute negatively to the sense of place of Saltdean contrary to policies DM18 and DM21 of the Brighton & Hove City Plan Part Two.’