Agenda item

Reserved matters (Access, Appearance, Landscaping, Layout and Scale) application relating to condition 1 of outline application Reference:131002 for the development of site 8 at Sovereign Harbour for up to 8 dwellings, open space and berth holder facilities and related discharge in respect of site 8 of the following conditions: condition 1 (reserved matters), condition 4 (within 2 years), condition 172 (harbour wall maintenance) conditions 9 & 192 (restriction of residential units, condition 177 (estate road layout), condition 191 (public spaces) – SOVEREIGN.  17 letters of objection had been received.

One further letter of representation had been received commenting on the following points:

·         Pre app designs more exciting that current designs, look more like a block of flats

·         Suggested modest design changes, colour to render and glass balustrades

·         Support the public access and footpath but question the longevity of public access

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

The observations of the Specialist Advisor (Planning Policy) were summarised within the report.  Southern Water and the Environment Agency raised no objections to the proposal. 

Members were advised that in seeking to provide the information required by the East Sussex County Council Highways Officer the access and car parking arrangements had been revised. These revisions increased the highway visibility and the usability of the undercroft parking spaces as well as reducing the visitor spaces to 7 spaces. As was evident from the Highways department response there were no remaining highway issues from this proposal.

East Sussex County Council Highways responded stating that vehicle and cycle parking had been considered and access to the site was considered to be sufficient.  Boundary treatments and bin enclosures were to be handled by a further reserved matter application; however the informal details seen to date were acceptable.  Public access and details of the harbour wall was supported.

Sovereign Harbour Residents Association had responded stating that:

·         If supported then no further changes without referral to SRA

·         Access from front of the properties direct onto Cycle path may cause a potential hazards to cyclists and pedestrians, this area if heavily trafficked at all periods of the day and not only rush hours

·         Designs do not compliment the surroundings properties

·         Brick facing would be more appropriate, render facades can deteriorate very quickly especially given the coastal location (see The Harbour Quay Apartments)

The committee was advised that the conditions attached to the outline planning permission comprised an extensive list and covered all construction issues, the design and appearance of the proposed buildings and the public open space.

Conditions detailed below related only to issues not covered by the conditions at the outline stage.

Mrs Weeks, Sovereign Harbour Residents Association, addressed the committee reiterating the comments made in the representation stated above.

Marie Nagy, agent for the applicant responded stating that there had been very few comments on the design of the building and that access and refuse storage issues had been resolved. The open space would be delivered and properly maintained.

The committee discussed the application and raised concerns regarding the design of the building and the suitability of the design in this location.  The committee was concerned regarding the ‘beach’ design for the open space and the maintenance of this area.

RESOLVED: (By 4 votes to 2 with 2 abstentions) That permission be deferred to allow officers to discuss with the developer/agent an alternative design solution for the area of Public Open Space. At the conclusion of this discussion the application be reported back to Planning Committee for determination.