Agenda item - BH2018/02054- Ditchling Court, 136 Ditchling Road,Brighton - Full Planning

Erection of two storey extension and the creation of 7no flats, revised fenestration and other associated works.

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Ward Affected: Hollingdean & Stanmer

Erection of two storey extension and the creation of 7no flats, revised fenestration and other associated works.

Officer Presentation

(1)             The Principal Planning Officer, Liz Arnold, introduced the application and gave a detailed presentation by reference to photographs, photomontages indicating the resurfacing treatments proposed, site plans, floor plans and elevational drawings detailing the proposed scheme. The application proposed refurbishment works to seek to replace the existing brickwork and render which would result in a simpler and more cohesive appearance to the building. In addition the existing panel work to the building would be re-clad to provide a more durable material and modern appearance. Where appropriate windows would be replaced across the building.

(2)          It was explained that the main considerations in determining the application related to the visual impact of the proposed extension, the standard of accommodation proposed, the impact upon neighbouring amenity and highway impacts. It was noted that amendments had been received during the lifetime of the application project to alter the proposed floor pans and these were considered acceptable. Overall it was considered that the proposed development would result in a suitable addition to the site and was in accordance with Policy CP12 of the Brighton and Hove City Plan Part One. Approval was therefore recommended.

            Questions of Officers

(3)       Councillor Theobald asked whether the existing green render was to be retained and it was confirmed that this would be replaced by white render.

(4)       Councillor Miller noted that the building would be re-rendered with white requesting that samples of the finish be agreed at a Chair’s meeting. It was agreed that this was covered by proposed Condition 4.

(5)       Councillor Yates enquired regarding the figure for off-site affordable housing provision required in lieu of on-site provision and it was confirmed that this had been arrived at using an agreed formula.

(6)       The Chair, Councillor Hill, referred to objections which had been received relating to overshadowing enquiring regarding measures undertaken to address those concerns. It was explained that sunlighting and daylighting assessments had been taken and the terraces nearest to the neighbouring properties had been removed. Those amendments were considered acceptable. Councillor Hill also asked about overlooking and it was explained  that the terraces on the northern elevation had been removed, that there were none to the east and no buildings nearby on the south.

(7)       Councillor Miller was concerned that if the proposed works were completed only in part that they would result in an unacceptable appearance. The Planning Manager, Paul Vidler explained that could not be conditioned. Councillor Yates asked whether it would be possible to condition that details of the final scheme be submitted and completed prior to occupation of the new units and it was confirmed that could be conditioned.

            Debate and Decision Making Process

(8)       Councillor Miller stated that in this instance he considered that the proposed scheme and treatment would result in significant improvement to the existing building and therefore supported the officer recommendation.

(9)       Councillor Theobald concurred stating that generally she did not support the construction of additional storeys on top of existing buildings, however in this instance she considered that it was acceptable.

(10)     A vote was taken and the 9 Members present when the vote was taken voted unanimously that planning permission be granted. Members also agreed that a condition be added that all rendering of the entire building should be completed before any of the new units were occupied.

35.7       RESOLVED – That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in the report and resolves that it is MINDED TO GRANT planning permission subject to a s106 agreement on the Heads of Terms set out and to the Conditions and Informatives also set out in the report SAVE THAT should the s106 Planning Obligation not be completed on or before 8 January 2020 the Head of Planning is hereby authorised to refuse planning permission for the reasons set out in section 11 of the report.

Note: Councillor Simson was not present at the meeting during consideration of the above application.