Agenda item - The Hippodrome, Middle Street - Urgent Works Notice

Report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture

RESOLVED – that:

1.    A notice be issued under section 54 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (as amended), also known as an Urgent Works Notice, for the preservation of The Hippodrome, 52-58 Middle Street, Brighton.

2.    The council carry out the works listed in the Notice should the owners not volunteer, with the Notice period, to do so.

3.    Under s55 of the Act officers be authorised to recover the council’s

expenses incurred in carrying out the works required by the Notice.

30.1    The committee considered a report of the Executive Director Economy, Environment and Culture which sought authorisation to issue an Urgent Works Notice under Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (the Act) in respect of the grade II* listed Hippodrome in Middle Street, Brighton in order to preserve the listed building whilst it remains vacant. The report was provided by the Planning Team Leader.

30.2    The Planning Team Leader noted that the Hippodrome had changed hands and was under new ownership. It was stated that some of the works had already commenced since the purchase.

30.3    Councillor Simson sought clarification regarding the service of notice.

30.4    The Planning Team Leader clarified that the report sought the authority to serve notice. It was stated that there was sign of progress of works since the property had recently been acquisitioned however many works were still required some of which required specialist intervention.

30.5    Councillor Simson stated that it would be down to officer’s discretion as to whether the notice was delivered.

30.6    The Planning Team Leader agreed that discretion would be used and that dialogue with the new owners had already been opened. It was stated that the new owners had acted in good faith and that they would need some time.

30.7    RESOLVED – that:

1.    A notice be issued under section 54 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (as amended), also known as an Urgent Works Notice, for the preservation of The Hippodrome, 52-58 Middle Street, Brighton.

2.    The council carry out the works listed in the Notice should the owners not volunteer, with the Notice period, to do so.

3.    Under s55 of the Act officers be authorised to recover the council’s

expenses incurred in carrying out the works required by the Notice.