Agenda item - BH2019/02578 - Victoria Road Housing Office, Victoria Road Portslade BN41 1YF - Full Planning

RECOMMENDATION – MINDED TO GRANT

Ward Affected : South Portslade

            Erection of 2no buildings behind Portslade Town Hall, accommodating 42no residential units (C3). The north building will be part three and part four storey block, with 17 no one and two bed flats. The south building would be a five-storey block, with 25no one, two and three bed flats. The proposals also incorporate: a new car park; landscaping and associated works.

(1)        It was noted that an in-depth presentation had been provided by officers in advance of the meeting and was included on the council website detailing the scheme by reference to site plans, floor plans, elevational drawings and photographs which also showed the proposed scheme in the context of neighbouring development.

(2)        It was noted that the main considerations in determining the application related to the principle of the development, loss of the existing bowling green and housing office, proposed housing mix, including the percentage of affordable housing size and accessibility; the density, design, mass and height of the scheme particularly in the context of the adjacent locally listed building (Portslade Town Hall), the amenity of existing and prospective residents, transport, parking and highway safety, sustainability, biodiversity, arboriculture, drainage/flood risk, site waste management and archaeology. Paragraph 11 of the NPPF made it clear that planning application decisions should apply a presumption in favour of sustainable development. The Council was currently unable to demonstrate a five-year housing supply and as such the relevant planning policies relating to housing delivery were considered to be out of date. In accordance with paragraph 11 planning permission should therefore be granted unless any adverse impacts of doing so would significantly outweigh the benefits.

(3)        The creation of additional residential units, all of which met Nationally Described Space Standards with an acceptable housing mix weighed in favour of the scheme which was considered of an acceptable design which was unlikely to have a detrimental impact on neighbouring amenity. Subject to compliance with the proposed conditions and compliance with the s106 obligations, approval was recommended.

            Questions of Officers

(4)        Councillor Janio asked whether an element of the funding proposed for local open space provision was intended for use in respect of the Bowling Green at Easthill Vale. It was confirmed that precisely how this sum would be allocated had yet to be agreed, although it was anticipated that a significant proportion would be allocated for works to Victoria Park.

(5)        Councillor Fishleigh stated that in her view the scheme was off a bland and uninspiring design, asking why a more imaginative design had not been sought. It was explained that Committee were required to determine the scheme as submitted.

(6)        Councillor Theobald sought clarification regarding the condition of the existing buildings which were proposed for demolition and was also shown photographs of the site as it appeared currently.

            Debate and Decision Making Process

(7)        Councillor Miller stated that he was in agreement with Councillor Fishleigh’s views in respect of the design and appearance of the proposed development, particularly when viewed from the north. Notwithstanding that however he considered that the scheme would deliver much needed housing and represented good use of the site, therefore he supported the recommendation that planning permission be granted.

(8)        Councillor Childs, stated that he considered the scheme to be acceptable and supported the officer recommendation.

(9)        Councillor Shanks stated that the site was well located and that the resulting development would have easy access to good public transport links and local shopping facilities.

(10)      Councillor Theobald considered that whilst a more interesting design could have been chosen she would be voting in support of the scheme which would be a good use of the site.

(11)      Councillor Yates considered the design of the scheme was acceptable and was pleased to note that it would be 100% affordable and was sited in an area which had good access to decent public transport.

(12)      A vote was taken and Members voted unanimously that minded to grant planning permission be granted.

119.1    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 permissionsubject to a s106 agreement based on the Heads of Terms and Conditions and Informatives also set out in the report, SAVE THAT should the s106 Planning Obligation not be completed on or before 12 August 2020 the Head of Planning is hereby authorised to refuse planning permission for the reasons set out in the final section of the report.