Agenda item - BH2023/02672 - 3 Westmeston Avenue, Saltdean, Brighton - Householder Planning Consent

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

Speakers

2.         Anne Pether addressed the committee as a resident and stated that they considered the development would overlook the neighbours’ garden and privacy would therefore be invaded. The plot is for a bungalow and not a big building. The roofline is not in line with the slope of the road and the property will double in size. The design is not in keeping with the area. The development will be harmful to the mental health of the neighbours as light and privacy are a right. Badgers have been seen in the neighbouring gardens and a set maybe nearby.

3.         Filip Singh addressed the committee as the applicant and stated that they were the owner and not a developer. The proposals are so they can stay in the property and live in a sustainable home. The scheme will use sustainable building methods and complies with policy. The external surfaces will render and timber cladding. The one and half storey scheme has been carefully considered to not impact the neighbours. The daylight assessment confirms the impact on neighbours is acceptable. The development will have minimal impact on the area and is designed in the light of the local context. The development respects policy.

Answers to Committee Member Questions

4.         Councillor Robinson was informed that the development increased the ridge height over the existing.

Debate

5.         Councillor Earthey stated they lived near to the property, and they considered both the objecting neighbour and the applicant had valid points. They were not averse to development in the road, where a large number of bungalows have come to the end of their useful life. The Saltdean and Woodingdean areas are changing as a result. The councillor supported the application and noted that others in have already made changes to the streetscene. It was noted that construction works have caused disruption in the road.

6.         Councillor Allen noted the design in the streetscene was acceptable as works had already been undertaken on number 5 and 4. The councillor supported the application.

7.         Councillor Shanks considered the design to be good and they supported the application.

Vote

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

9.         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.