Agenda item - BH2023/02872 - Land Adjacent to American Express Stadium, Village Way, Brighton - Full Planning

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

Answers to Committee Member Questions

2.         Councillor Cattell was informed that the green walls would be required to be maintained by condition.

3.         Councillor Earthey was informed that no additional fan numbers were expected as a result of the development and the building hours would be limited by condition.

4.         Councillor Nann was informed that ‘away’ games would be shown at the stadium.

5.         Councillor Shanks was informed that the alcohol licence restrictions were not a planning issue. Lighting at the stadium would be controlled by condition to minimise impacts on South Downs National Park.

6.         Councillor Robinson was informed that an up-to-date travel plan was required by condition and the Transport Team had found the development acceptable.

7.         Councillor Winder was informed that the proposals were policy compliant with greenways and two trees being planted.

8.         Councillor Theobald was informed that the structure would be used on non-match days.

9.         Councillor Loughran was informed that the noise report had been found acceptable by Environmental Health Team and doors would be closed by 11pm.

Debate

10.      Councillor Allen noted that many other stadiums included fan zones, the student accommodation close by would be used to existing noise. The councillor supported the application.

11.      Councillor Cattell considered the use of space to be good and the fan zone would make the site more welcoming, and the additional toilets are good. The Councillor supported the application.

12.      Councillor Theobald noted that students could access the site via the A27 tunnel. The councillor considered the design to be great with good access and the building may help congestion after matches.

13.      Councillor Nann noted that no complaints had been received from the nearby student accommodation.

14.      Councillor Earthey supported the application.

15.      Councillor Loughran supported the application.

Vote

16.      A vote was taken, and the committee agreed the recommendations unanimously.

17.      RESOLVED: That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in the report and resolves be MINDED TO GRANT planning permission subject to a s106 agreement on the Heads of Terms set out in the report and the Conditions and Informatives as set out in the report, SAVE THAT should the s106 Planning Obligation not be completed on or before the 26th July 2024 Head of Planning is hereby authorised to refuse planning permission for the reasons set out in section 13.1 of the report.