Members of the Committee and Officers present introduced themselves to all those who were present during the meeting.

Apologies had been received from Councillor Diplock.

None.

The minutes of the meeting held on 30 May 2022 were submitted and approved as a correct record, and the Chair was authorised to sign them.

The Chairman to notify the Committee of any items of urgent business to be added to the agenda.

There were no urgent items.  An officer addendum, however, was circulated to the Committee prior to the start of the meeting, updating the main reports on the agenda with any late information (a copy of which was published on the Council’s website).

Section 73a retrospective application for single storey side/rear extension, open sided glass roofed covered walkway to rear and gated parking area atfront of property with new vehicular access and alterations to first floor extension approved under ref: 180360 – OLD TOWN.

The Senior Specialist Advisor (Planning) presented the report. The application had been brought to the Committee following issues relating to the retrospective proposals and the number of objections received. It was noted the proposal description had been revised to take into account the works undertaken on the property.

The Committee was advised by way of an Addendum that no further representations had been received since the publication of the report.  Paragraph 11.9 was amended to refer to condition 4, paragraph 11.5 instead of paragraph 11.6 (Programme of Works).

The Senior Specialist Advisor (Planning) advised verbally that Paragraph 11.5 (Programme of Works), would be brought forward from 3 months to 1 month of the date of permission.

Councillor Ungar, East Sussex Ward Councillor, addressed the Committee as a near neighbour and on behalf of the local residents in objection to the application.   Councillor Ungar left the room after speaking as he had a prejudicial interest in the matter.

The Committee raised concerns regarding the unauthorised alterations and the visual impact, colour, windows, bulk, height and drainage.  It was felt that further landscaping would soften the visual impact.

The Committee questioned the restriction of further development. Officers advised that the retrospective application was permissible and that enforcement measures would be applied if the conditions were breached.

Councillor Taylor proposed a motion to approve the application in line with the officer’s recommendation. This was seconded by Councillor Miah and was carried. 

RESOLVED: by (6 votes to 1 against) to delegate to the Head of Planning for Officers to negotiate improvements to the appearance of the building and then to grant planning permission, subject to the conditions set out in the officer’s report (taking account of amended plans) and for the submission of the Programme of Works be brought forward to 1 month of the date of the permission.

Change of use of existing building from light industrial to storage and distribution (Use Class B8) and erection of bulk storage facility – HAMPDEN PARK.

The Senior Specialist Advisor (Planning) presented the report. 

The Committee was advised by way of an Addendum that no further representations had been received since the publication of the report, the proposal description had been revised to omit Use Class B1, an additional condition at paragraph 10.9 was added regarding secure and covered cycle parking facilities, the numbering at paragraph 6.8 was corrected to 6.4, and thewording at paragraph 6.4 (6.4.2) was amended.

A revised schedule of conditions was circulated prior to the start of the meeting which included: cycle storage facilities, EV charging facilities, site operation and parking, and micro renewables.

Councillor Miah proposed a motion to approve the application in line with the officer’s recommendation. This was seconded by Councillor Taylor and was carried. 

RESOLVED: (unanimously) to delegate the Head of Planning to liaise with East Sussex County Council (ESCC) Highways with regard to any proposed heads of terms for S106 and any additional conditions, and on conclusion of this consultation process to approve with conditions, subject to S106 Agreement to secure a) Local Labour Agreement and b) any ESCC Highways requested heads of terms as set out in the officer’s report, the additional conditions listed in the revised schedule of conditions and any further conditions requested by ESCC Highways.

Change of use of former cinema (sui generis) to Class E(a) and erection of external garden centre - SOVEREIGN.

The Senior Specialist Advisor (Planning) presented the report.

The Committee was advised by way of an Addendum of the regeneration consultation response dated 29 December 2021, that had been missed from the officer’s report.

The Committee welcomed the proposal.

Councillor Lamb proposed a motion to approve the application in line with the officer’s recommendation. This was seconded by Councillor Morris and was carried. 

RESOLVED (unanimously): that Planning permission be approved subject to a S106 agreement for a Local Employment and Training Agreement and monitoring fee and the Travel Plan Monitoring Fee of £6,000 and the conditions, as set out in the officer’s report.

To note the next meeting of the Planning Committee is scheduled to be held on Monday, 22 August 2022.

It was noted that the next meeting of the Planning Committee was scheduled to commence at 6:00pm on Monday, 22 August 2022.