Agenda and minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 April 2013 were submitted and approved and the Chairman was authorised to sign them as a correct record.

An apology for absence was reported from Councillor Taylor

Councillor Liddiard declared a pecuniary interest in items 2 Land at Kings Drive and 4 NHSBSA Dental Services Temple Grove, Compton Place Road having previously stated his views and therefore pre-determined these applications and stated that he would take no part in the debate and not vote thereon.

The committee were asked to consider an additional late application in respect of the Drive PH, Victoria Drive, proposing a regarding of the car park area.  The committee agreed that the application should be deferred to a future meeting to allow the committee to consider the item in good time and in detail.

RESOLVED: That consideration of application EB/2013/0118 FP be deferred to future meeting of the Planning committee.

1) EB/2012/0816 - 81-83 Seaside Eastbourne - Change of use from A2 (Financial and Professional) to D1 (non residential institution) – DEVONSHIRE.  16 letters/emails of objection and 14 letters/emails of support had been received.

The relevant planning history for the site was detailed within the report.

The observations of Planning Policy, East Sussex County Council’s Highways department, Councillor Wallis and comments from a public meeting were detailed within the report.

Human Rights implications were detailed within the report.

Councillor Wallis addressed the committee in objection stating that the proposal would increase parking issues and may attract anti-social behaviour to the site impacting on residents in the vicinity.  Councillor Wallis also queried the opening times stated within the report and highlighted the 18 objections received.

Colin Povey, Applicant, addressed the committee in response stating that the proposal would benefit the whole of Eastbourne, being in a central location which was easily accessible.  Eastbourne was an area of high social deprivation and these services were essential for Eastbourne residents.  Sessions would be arranged by invitation and appointment only, with the main aim to help resolve existing problems and provide counselling for issues bereavement, loss and trauma and many more.  Mr Povey agreed that he would be willing to condition the opening times as the committee may request.

The committee considered the application and proposed the following opening times for the centre:

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8.00am to 6.00pm

Tuesday 8.00am to 8.00pm
Saturday 8.00am to 1.00pm

Closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays

RESOLVED:(Unanimous) That permission be granted subject to the following conditions: 1) Time limit 2) In accordance with Plans & Supporting Statements 3) Opening Times: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8.00am to 6.00pm - Tuesday 8.00am to 8.00pm - Saturday 8.00am to 1.00pm  - Closed on Sundays and Public and Bank Holidays

2) EB/2012/0823 - Land at Kings Drive - Variation of Condition 8 (approved layout) of permission EB/2010/0003 for outline application for residential development of the land comprising two options; original scheme (Option A) for 137 dwellings (including 30% affordable), plus associated access and parking, open space, play areas and allotments; alternative scheme (Option B) for 119 dwellings (including 30% affordable), plus associated access and parking, open space, play areas and allotments. Variation proposed: Various alterations to approved layout – UPPERTON.  37 letters/emails of objection had been received.  Councillor Belsey also submitted a letter of objection which was summarised within the report.

The relevant planning history for the site was detailed within the report.

The observations of Southern Water, Environment Agency, Natural England, County Archaeologist, Highways – East Sussex County Council, Sussex Police, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, Senior Planning Policy, Council’s Strategic Housing Manager and Bespoke were detailed within the report.

Human Rights implications were detailed within the report.

NB: Councillor Liddiard withdrew from the room whilst this application was considered.

RESOLVED: (Unanimous) That permission be granted to vary Condition 8 attached to EB/2010/0003 and that the outline planning permission be re-issued with the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

None reported.

The committee were advised of the appeal decision in respect of the above application.

The applications for planning and conservation area consent (EB/2012/0472 /3) for the development of the Edgmond Church site at 39-41 Church Street were refused at the meeting of the Planning Committee on 2^nd October 2012 contrary to the officer’s recommendation.

The scheme comprised the change of use of the site from a church to accommodation for 24 people with learning disabilities, with community/activity centre, tearoom and retail shop, involving the demolition of the rear hall extension and the construction of a part two and part three storey extension.

The appeals against the refusal of both applications were dealt with at a Hearing on 13^th March 2013.  The decision was issued on 26^th April.  The Inspector allowed both appeals, granted planning permission and conservation area consent and also granted the appellant’s application for a full award of costs against the Council.

NOTED.

The Committee considered the report of the Senior Head of Development and Environment and Lawyer to the Council seeking confirmation of a tree preservation order on the above land.  One objection had been received and the officer’s response was detailed within the report.

RESOLVED: That the Eastbourne Borough Council Tree Preservation Order - Land at 23 The Goffs, Eastbourne, East Sussex No. 158 (2013) be confirmed without modification.

The committee considered the report of the Specialist Advisor – Conservation and Design regarding the Park Close Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan.

The Council has a duty to review, formulate and publish appraisals and management plans for the preservation and enhancement of the Borough’s 12 Conservation Areas.

The Specialist Advisor – Conservation and Design highlighted the Management Plan in Section 6 of the Appraisal, appended to the report that contained proposals that seek to preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the Park Close Conservation Area. This included the proposed introduction of Article 4 directions that would bring under planning control, specified works that would normally be allowed without planning permission.

The appraisal and Management Plan would be made available to the public for a period of not less than 6 weeks following the presentation on 21 May 2013.

After this date, any representation will be reviewed and considered, following guidelines set out in the adopted Guidance Manual for Designation and Review of Conservation Areas and in line with guidance from English Heritage.

RESOLVED: That Planning committee endorse the appraisal and management plan and support its submission for public consultation for the period stated above.

The committee were advised that on 9^th May 2013 the Government announced that extensive amendments to the General Permitted Development Order were being laid before Parliament.  The amendments will come into force on 30^th May.

The provisions cover several significant areas of Permitted Development such as house extensions and changes of use.  The main changes in each category were set out below and further detailed within the report.

• Changes of use- office to residential
• Flexibility within use classes
• Change of use- industrial to storage/distribution
• Building extensions
• Schools

The potential staffing financial and resource implications for the Council were likely to be:

·         A reduction in applications and associated fee income

·         An increase in enquiries for information on the new provisions

·         An increase in administrative work from implementing the new prior notification procedures

The overall effect would become clearer later in the year once the provisions had been in place for 3-4 months.  The significant relaxation of the limits on House Extensions could give rise to the additional engagement of Article 1 of Protocol 1 (Peaceful Enjoyment of Possessions) and Article 8 (Right of Privacy) of the Human Rights Convention.