Agenda item - BH2017/02333, 113-115 Trafalgar Road, Portslade - Outline Application -Reserved Matters

Outline application with some matters reserved for the demolition of existing bungalows and erection of 8no one bedroom flats and 4no studio flats (C3) with associated landscaping.

RECOMMENDATION – MINDED TO GRANT

Ward Affected: South Portslade

              Outline application with all matters reserved for the demolition of existing bungalows and erection of 8no one bedroom flats and 4no studio flats (C3) with associated landscaping.

            Officers Introduction

(1)          It was noted that this application had formed the subject of a site visit prior to the meeting.

(2)          The Principal Planning Officer Wayne Nee, introduced the application and gave a presentation by reference to plans, elevational drawings and floor plans. Reference was also made to comments received from the Housing Department which were set out in the Late/Additional Representations List. It was noted that the design and layout shown was indicative and that this was an outline application with all matters reserved.

(3)          It was explained that as the application was for outline permission with all matters reserved for further approval, the main considerations in determining the application related to the principle of constructing 8 no one bedroom flats and 4 studio flats on the site. An indicative scheme had been shown in the submitted drawings, this scheme was indicative only as detailed consent was not being sought. The principle of the development proposed had been accepted previously at appeal; this was a primary matter for consideration under the outline application submitted.

(4)          It was noted that the previous appeal was dismissed as the issue of affordable housing provision had not been resolved in the applicant’s submissions. Under the current application the submitted application form stated that of the twelve units proposed four would be affordable rent units comprising two one-bedroom flats and two studio flats. Policy CP20 required that schemes of 10-14 units provided 30% onsite affordable housing provision or an equivalent financial contribution. In this case a net increase of ten units was proposed and therefore onsite provision of three units would satisfy the requirements of CP20. There was however also a requirement to provide an appropriate mix of tenures; and in this case only affordable rent units were proposed, no intermediate housing was proposed. This concern was however counterbalanced by the fact that four affordable units were proposed and overall it was considered that the proposed provision of affordable housing could be supported provided it was secured through legal agreement. Approval was therefore recommended subject to the completion of a legal agreement to secure affordable housing provision and the necessary contributions. All detailed matters would be secured by condition and at the reserved matters stage.

              Questions for Officers

(5)          Councillor Morris sought clarification regarding whether the precise element towards sport from the Open Space and Indoor Sport allocation had been determined as yet and it was explained that this would be set out in the “Heads of Terms” and was also set out in paragraph 11.2 of the report.

(6)          Councillor Moonan referred to the number of units proposed and to the fact that they were undersized seeking clarification as to whether a different number of units could be required. It was explained that the detailed layouts were not a subject for consideration under the outline application submitted but that as the indicative scheme would provide a poor standard of accommodation appropriate unit layouts would need to be secured at the reserved matters stage.

(7)          Councillor Miller sought confirmation that at this stage the principle of the development was being requested with all other matters being reserved and to be secured by condition at the reserved matters stage and it was confirmed that was the case.

(8)          Councillor Moonan also referred to the plot at the rear of the application site shown on the indicative drawings stating that the access arrangements as currently shown appeared to be too narrow. It was confirmed that this access would be too narrow for cars but was wide enough for pedestrians, cycles and motorcycles.

              Debate and Decision Making Process

(9)          Councillor C Theobald stated that she had concerns that the proposals would change the character of the area and that it would be difficult to achieve the number of units proposed given the constraints of the site.

(10)       Councillor Littman stated that given the constraints of the site and its close proximity to a busy road it was important to ensure that appropriate air quality standards were achieved.

(11)       Councillor Morris asked for confirmation that the reserved matters application would come back to the Committee and it was confirmed that it would.

(12)       A vote was taken and the 10 Members of the Committee who were present when the vote was taken voted unanimously that minded to grant planning permission be agreed.

97.1       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 also set out in the report.

              Note: Councillor Gilbey had given her apologies for the meeting due to sickness and therefore was not present at the meeting during consideration or voting in respect of the above application. Councillor Bennett was not present at the meeting during consideration or voting in respect of the above application.

              MINOR APPLICATIONS