Agenda item - BH2019/02158 - 15 Caburn Road & 203 Dyke Road, Hove - Fiull Planning

Change of use from nursing home (C2) at No.15 Caburn Road and Sui Generis HMO at No.203 Dyke Road to 20no bedroom short term accommodation & services for the homeless (Sui Generis). Alterations to form single building, replacement ground floor windows & door to west elevation and associated works.

1)            Senior Planning Officer, Emily Stanbridge, 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 a large number of late representations had been received, including from Ward Councillor - Jackie O’Quinn.

Speakers

2)            Councillor Jackie O’Quinn spoke as Ward Councillor in objection to the application. The Councillor considered that a public meeting would have been of benefit so local residents could ask questions and receive responses. Locals would have had a voice. In planning terms, the Councillor considered that there were to few communal spaces, which could lead to socialising outside the building. This would then have an impact on the area and maybe a security issue. The needs of the residents should be heard, and a consultation is needed.

Questions of the Speaker

3)            Councillor Sue Shanks was informed that a branch of a school is located opposite the application site.

4)            Councillor Leo Littman was informed that Councillor O’Quinn had received the Running List of planning applications. It was noted that Councillor Littman had been contacted by a number of residents regarding the application.

5)            Councillor O’Quinn stated concerns regarding notification of the application. It was noted that residents had been notified by the Planning officers in July and August and public notices had been displayed outside the property.

Sue Forrest – Commissioning & Performance Manager, attended for applicant – Brighton and Hove City Council.

Questions for the officer.

6)            Councillor Daniel Yates was informed that the accommodation will be used for one-to-one support for the homeless. The occupiers may have issues relating to drugs, alcohol and mental health issues, but not exclusively or necessarily. Each person will be supported on a case by case basis. It was noted that this site would not be used as a drug rehabilitation centre.

7)            Councillor Phelim Mac Cafferty was informed that users of the accommodation would be limited to 28 days for assessment. Following the assessment, the homeless will move on. It was noted that other buildings very greatly and are not comparable to this site. Most others do not have facilities on every floor. Complaints relating to assessment accommodation are dealt with by the Community Safety team who work closely with the service provider. Any anti-social behaviour is dealt with.

8)            Councillor Sue Shanks was informed the accommodation would be for mixed single people, over 25 years old.

9)            Councillor Leo Littman was informed that the assessment centres need to be spread across the city and this site was chosen for the good location – outside of city centre and standard of property.

10)         Councillor Nick Childs was informed that other assessment centres are located near to schools and no issues have arisen. 

11)         Councillor Tracey Hill was informed that a consultation will take place should the Planning permission be granted.

Questions for the Officer

12)         Councillor Carol Theobald was informed that the existing rooms were of a good standard and would not be reduced in size.

13)         Councillor Phelim Mac Cafferty was informed that the local residents can contact the staff at the site if they have any concerns once the accommodation is up and running. It was noted that an management scheme could include contact information for local residents.

Debate

14)         Councillor Sue Shanks felt the accommodation was needed and noted that nearby residents would be anxious.

15)         Councillor Daniel Yates also felt the service was needed and noted that accommodation would only be occupied for 28 days. Councillor Mac Cafferty felt that residents should not fear the application and noted that anyone can be homeless for many reasons. The dispersement of accommodation across the city was a good thing. The site offered good facilities and transport links. It is noted that the management plan needs to be tight. Queuing outside the property would need to be restricted. The integration needs to successful and supported.

16)         Councillor Phelim Mac Cafferty understood the concerns of the local residents from experience in their own ward. It was felt that the management of the property should be robust. It should be noted that good and bad behaviour can come from homeless and long-term residents.

17)         Councillor Leo Littman felt that accommodation should be were there are good transport links to avoid ghettoization in the city.

18)         Councillor Tracey Hill noted that other properties had not experienced problems and Sussex Police were not concerned. The Councillor noted that reaching out to residents may have been better first, before submitting the planning application and that lines of communication should be kept open. The accommodation is needed and would not necessarily be problematic.

Decision

55.7    RESOLVED: The Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in the report and resolves to GRANT planning permission subject to the Conditions and Informatives contained in the report.