Agenda item - BH2019/00732 - 25 York Villas, Brighton _ Full Planning

Demolition of existing buildings and erection of a three storey mixed use development, comprising 5no commercial units (B1) at ground floor, and 1no one bedroom, 4no two bedroom and 2no three-bedroom flats at first and second floor.

1)    Principle Planning Officer, Luke Austin, introduced the application with a presentation detailing the scheme by reference to plans, site plans, photographs, elevational drawings and aerial views showing the site and its boundaries. Reference was also made to the additional representations received detailed in the Late/Additional Representations List. It was noted that the ground levels were inaccurate, and revisions had been made to the elevational drawings.

Questions for officer

2)    Councillor Sue Shanks was informed that the commercial use of the existing site has evolved over many years. It was noted that the proposal is mixed use and some employment will be retained. The existing B1 use for catering could be retained in he commercial units, it was noted.

3)     Councillor Daniel Yates was informed that the traffic measures are for the commercial traffic. It was noted that Car Club could be operated and would be available for all.

4)    Councillor Carol Theobald was informed that there was a bus stop nearby, some 55m from the development and the nearest building was 14.6m away.

Debate

5)    Councillor Leo Littman stated support for the proposal and noted that report paragraphs 5.3 – parking demand estimate and 5.6 – arboriculture department trial excavations, have been resolved.

6)    Councillor Carol Theobald noted that the height of the proposed development was significantly higher than the existing structure. The proposals feel cramped on the plot and car parking may be an issue in the area arising from the commercial units.

Decision

55.4    RESOLVED: The Committee took into consideration and agreed with the reasons for the recommendation set out in the report and resolved to GRANT planning permission subject to a s106 agreement and the recommended Conditions and Informatives, as set out in the report, SAVE THAT should the s106 Planning Obligation not be completed on or before, 26February 2020, the Head of Planning is hereby authorised to refuse planning permission for the reasons set out in section 11 of the report.