Agenda item

Demolition of existing buildings and erection of food store together with car parking, landscaping and access – HAMPEN PARK.  Seven letters of objection and 15 letters of support  had been received.  14 additional communications of support had been received.

The relevant planning history for the application site and observations of the Specialist Advisor (Economic Development), the Specialist Advisor (Arboriculture), the Specialst Advisor (Planning Policy), the Specialist Advisor (Environmental Health), the Environment Agency, the Local Highway Manager, the County Archaeologist, Bespoke and Southern Water were summarised within the report.

The applicant also submitted a further statement which was reported at the meeting.  In summary the statement commented on the creation of 30-40 jobs, secured by a local labour agreement, following 5+ years vacancy of the site.  Consultation with the local community had been a key concern of Aldi in developing the site with 87% of residents supporting the application, with no objections to its design or appearance.  East Sussex County Council Highways were satisfied with the proposed access arrangements, with a new vehicular access to Faraday Close being provided at the request of residents.  Parking arrangements supported local business with the car park being made available for visitors to the Hampden Park retail area.

The applicant had requested permission to address the committee.  The Chairman advised that it would be possible to suspend the current rules regarding applicants addressing the committee without the presence of an objector with the full agreement of members.  A motion to suspend the current rules was proposed and seconded and supported unanimously and the applicant was permitted to address the committee.

Mrs Neil, addressed the committee in support stating that 95% of the residents who were direct neighbours of the site supported the proposal.  The development would resolve the current concerns of anti-social behaviour at the site and would be a great asset and improvement for the residents of Hampden Park.

Councillor Belsey addressed the committee in support highlighting the overwhelming support for the development and improvements to a promiment derelict site.  Councillor Belsey referred to the creation of jobs and the overall benefit to the residents of Eastbourne.

Mr Stanley, Property Director, Aldi, addressed the committee reiterating the comments of the applicant reported earlier to the committee.  Mr Stanley also highlighted the £5.1m investment at the Hampden Park site, which would improve the offer for the residents of Eastbourne. Consultation with residents showed overwhelming support for a retail offer rather than industrial use adding that the site was unviable for industrial use, which had been demonstrated by the site having been vacant for in excess of five years.

RESOLVED: RESOLVED: (A) (Unanimous) That planning permission be granted subject to the prior conclusion of a S.106 Agreement or S278 Highways Agreement to secure a financial contribution towards or the delivery of the proposed Highway improvements to Lottbridge Drove, Mountfield Road Roundabout and the provision enhanced bus stops,  Travel Plan and associated audit fee, local employment initiatives, contributions to off-site tree protection and subject to the following conditions: 1) Commencement of development within three years 2) Drawing Nos. of approved plans 3) Samples of all materials (internal and external) 4) Construction Method Statement and Management Plan including temporary structures, site compound and hoardings, construction access details etc 5) Details of Opening hours for the store 6) details of delivery times 7) Details of all plant and machinery (e.g. air conditioning, refrigeration units) including predicted noise levels 8) Details of directional signage to car park and service road 9) Construction Traffic Management Plan to include travel routes and number of vehicle movements 10) Finished floor levels 11) Prior to their installation details of any external solar power equipment 12) Parking is provided in accordance with submitted details 13) Cycle storage and staff shower facilities 14) Tree protection Lottbridge Road 15) Details of boundary treatments 16) Limited Range Discounter only 17) No more than 20% floor area to be non-food retailer 18) Car park controls limited to 2 hours

RESOLVED (B): In the event that the S.106 is not concluded to the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority by 30 Jan 2015 that delegated authority be given to the Senior Specialist Advisor (Planning) to refuse planning permission for the following reason, or if discussions are ongoing, to agree a reasonable extension of time for the S.106 to be signed.