Agenda item - BH2023/03253 - Hollingbury Library, Carden Hill, Brighton - Full Planning

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

Answers to Committee Member Questions

2.         Councillor Shanks was informed that 7 out of the 9 flats would have private terraces and there was a communal roof terrace.

3.         Councillor Theobald was informed that all the flats would be affordable rented and the impact on neighbouring properties would be lessened by the topography of the hillside site.

4.         Councillor Thomson was informed that there were no parking controls in the area. There is on street parking and the car share scheme was not considered to be justified.

5.         Councillor Nann was informed that the affordable housing would have capped rents but that this was not a material planning consideration.

6.         Councillor Allen the site was allocated for development before the existing building was locally listed in 2017. A photographic record will be kept of the existing building.

7.         Councillor Robinson was informed that the solar panels will be included on the roofscape by the applicant. It was noted that the heating system was not a planning issue by the Planning Manager.

8.         Councillor Shanks was informed by the applicant that there was no gas heating/power in the development and the improvements such as the air source heat pumps were being looked at.

9.         Councillor Loughran was informed by the applicant that the height of the development had been limited to reduce the impact.

Debate

10.      Councillor Allen considered it was a shame to lose the existing prefab building, however, they supported the application.

11.      Councillor Nann noted the housing situation was desperate and supported the application.

12.      Councillor Shanks supported the application.

13.      Councillor Earthey supported the application.

14.      Councillor Theobald noted that the library had been replaced, they preferred a lower development with some parking, however, the affordable housing was good, and they supported the application.

15.      Councillor Cattell considered it was great to see council supported housing and they expressed concerns over balcony treatments. The councillor supported the application.

16.      Councillor Thomson supported the application.

17.      Councillor Loughran considered the development to be of a high-quality design and good affordable housing. The councillor supported the application.

Vote

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

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 be MINDED TO GRANT planning permission subject to a s106 agreement and the Conditions and Informatives, SAVE THAT should the s106 Planning Obligation not be completed on or before the 6th September 2024 the Head of Planning is hereby authorised to refuse planning permission for the reasons set out in section 10.3 of the report.