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

Apologies had been received from Councillor Colin Murdoch. Councillor di Cara confirmed that she was acting as substitute for Councillor Murdoch.  

Councillor Parker declared a personal interest in item 55, Eastbourne District General Hospital, Kings Drive, as he is a Trustee of the Friends of Eastbourne Hospital. 

The minutes of the meeting held on 14 November were submitted and approved as a correct record, and the Chair was authorised to sign them.

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

There were no urgent items. 

Where additional information has been received by Planning Officers subsequent to the publication of the agenda, a supplementary report will be added to this item and published on the Council’s website the day before the meeting to update the main reports with any late information.

An officer addendum was circulated to the Committee prior to the start of the meeting, updating the report on the agenda with any late information (a copy of which was published on the Council’s website).

Erection of single storey rear extension to existing sales building – LANGNEY.

The Senior Specialist Advisor (Planning) presented the report.

The Committee was advised by way of an Addendum that the submitted plans showed other development that was not part of the proposal and a revised recommendation to delegate the Head of Planning to obtain amended plans that omit development not being proposed by this application and then on receipt of the revised plans that are acceptable to Officers, to approve subject to conditions.

The Senior Specialist Advisor confirmed that revised plans had since been received that omitted the development that was not part of the proposal and the recommendation was amended to approve the application subject to conditions.

The Committee queried the hours of use and the potential for noise disturbance from the chiller unit and on-site bakery. The Senior Specialist Advisor confirmed that the Environmental Protection Officer had advised that the proposal is acceptable subject to a condition that any plant (for the chiller unit or any other part of the development) would require approval prior to implementation. This includes any required mitigation measures.

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

RESOLVED: (Unanimously) that planning permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the officer’s report and officer addendum.

Removal of existing modular ward building erection of a three storey clinical extension with associated roof top plant located on an existing car park – RATTON.

The Senior Specialist Advisor (Planning) presented the report. 

The Committee was advised by way of an Addendum of one further communication received since the publication of the report from the Council’s Specialist Advisor (Environmental Protection) recommending a condition for a Construction and Environmental Management Plan (CEMP).

The Senior Specialist Advisor verbally added an additional condition to seek to protect water sources through construction.

The Committee sought clarification on the development, car parking spaces, EV charging points, archaeological works and green proposals. 

The Senior Specialist Advisor confirmed the proposed development was an extension to  the existing hospital and not part of a new hospital.. The development would allow for retention of  1073 parking spaces exclusively for staff. At Members’ request Officers would negotiate with the applicant for the inclusion of EV charging points for incorporation into the revised travel plan. Archaeological works were secured by condition. Officers would negotiate with the applicant for the inclusion of renewable energy equipment, tree planters and bat and bird boxes, where possible.

Councillor Taylor proposed a motion to delegate to the Head of Planning First approval of the application in line with the officer’s recommendation. This was seconded by Councillor Miah and was carried. 

RESOLVED: (Unanimously) that delegated authority be provided to the Head of Planning First to, where possible, negotiate renewable energy equipment, tree planters, bat and bird boxes and EV charging facilities (secured by condition), liaise with East Sussex County Council Highways with regard to any proposed Heads of Terms for the S106 and any additional conditions; and on conclusion of the consultation process for planning permission to be approved subject to conditions set out in the officer’s report, the CEMP condition in the addendum (with the addition of a stipulation to protect water sources through the construction period), and subject to a S106 Agreement to secure a Local Labour Agreement; Travel Plan; and any additional East Sussex County Council Highways requested Heads of Terms.

To note the next meeting of the Planning Committee is scheduled to be held on Monday, 27 February 2023.

It was noted that the next meeting of the Planning Committee was scheduled to commence at 6:00pm on Monday, 27 February 2023.