Agenda item

Enhancement works to Sea Houses Square, including new surface treatments, street furniture, lighting and the introduction of street trees – DEVONSHIRE.  One letter of objection had been received.  Councillor Wallis, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Place Services, had expressed his support for the application.

The committee was advised that directly relevant planning history for the application site was limited, however the most relevant applications had been detailed within the report.

The observations of the Specialist Advisor (Arboriculture), the Specialist Advisor (Conservation), Specialist Advisor (Planning Policy), Environment Agency and East Sussex County Council Highways Department were summarised within the report.

At their meeting on the 7 October 2014, the Conservation Area Advisory Group very much welcomed enhancements to this area but there were elements which should be reconsidered.  Of particular concern was the proposed lighting, and lower lights more in keeping with the Victorian area were recommended.  Trees should not be of a species which have berries, and would be better placed in the middle, not to the side where they would affect the windows of the adjacent building.  Stone seating was considered unsuitable both in visual terms and practicality uncomfortable and cold to sit on, and timber seating of traditional organic curved shape was preferred.

A petition of objection with over 170 signatures was reported at the meeting raising concerns relating to the erection of permanent structures awnings/conservatories and to any additional tables and chairs at the Seahouses Square site.

The committee noted that in direct response to the issues raised by the Conservation Area Advisory Group and the Councils Conservations Officer the scheme had been amended with the tree species changed to one more appropriate for its seaside location.  The proposed benches had also been modified. Notwithstanding the revised details the precise matters of detail would be controlled via planning condition.

Additional comments of the East Sussex County Council Highways Officer supporting the improvements in principle were reported at the meeting.  It was recommended that the matters of detail in relation to the implementation of the scheme should form part of a S278 Agreement with the Highways Department.

Mr Taylor addressed the committee in objection stating that whilst he was in favour of the improvements, he objected to the proposed awnings. He referred to a petition signed by over 200 residents also objecting to the awnings and felt that they would affect the setting of the water fountain.  Mr Taylor felt that the proposed tables would be detrimental to an area that was classed as public land.

Councillor Wallis addressed the committee in support of the application stating that various groups had identified Seaside as an area in need of investment and funding had been secured for the improvements.  Public consultation identified support for the proposals and Seahouses Square application was part of the improvements process.

Mr Jones, applicant, addressed the committee in response confirming Councillor Wallis’ statement regarding the need to improve the area, having contacted many local groups keen to enhance the Seaside area.  He anticipated the improvements would create a centre for economic activity, encouraging footfall from the pier through to Seaside.

RESOLVED: (Unanimously)That permission be granted subject to the following conditions: 1) Time Limit 2) Approved Plans 3) materials used in the hard-surface areas 4) Details of planters/benches 5) Details of external illumination including degree of illumination 6) Tree Pit design 7) Species selection of trees 8) Standard Advert Conditions.