Agenda item

Application for variation of condition 2 of reserved matters granted 9 June 2015 for the development of the site for 8 dwellings, open space and berth holder facilities following grant of outline planning permission (Ref: 141469); amendments are to paving to public open space, retaining tarmac drive on the north and south sides of the site, reconfiguration to planters in public open space, changes to proposed street furniture, new planting arrangement, re-arrangement of shared access and parking area, and amendments to planting edging in public open space.

170885 (DOC)

Application for approval of details reserved by condition 171 (SurfaceWater Drainage), 178 (Surface Water Drainage - Highways), 179 (Proposed Construction Details of Roads), 196 (Infiltration of SurfaceWater) and 198 (Foul Sewerage Disposal) of planning permission granted2 December 2014 for the development of Site 8 for up to 8 dwellings, open space and berth holder facilities (Ref: 131002) (Previously approved 160092) – SOVEREIGN.

The committee was advised that the discharge of condition application in relation to amendments to the drainage strategy for the site had been withdrawn. Instead the developer would commence the drainage strategy approved under discharge of condition application Ref: 160092. The approved drainage strategy used soakaways to discharge surface water from the site. East Sussex County Council Suds Team had confirmed that the changing of the surface from permeable to impermeable was acceptable in terms of the drainage scheme. The use of impermeable block paving would not impact on this drainage system as the open space was drained through gully’s to the soakaway.

Mr Bannerman, on behalf of the Sovereign Harbour Residents Association, addressed the committee in objection stating that he had concerns about the non-permeable paving and the run off into the harbour.

Members discussed the application and felt that the developer had been aware of the issues relating to the paving, tarmac and levels and planting and that public consultation had been instrumental in forming the current application. 

The Specialist Advisor Planning queried whether there were any amendments to the scheme that could be supported, Members felt that none of the amendments were acceptable.

RESOLVED: (Unanimous) That permission be refused on the grounds that 1) by virtue of the increased ground levels and therefore additional steps between the walk-ways the public open space would be less inclusive/accessible to all members of the public, the retention of the tarmac areas would be out of keeping with the wider Harbour area within which all public footpaths are paved in similar finishing material contrary to section 7 of the National Planning Policy Framework 2012 and Policies B2 and D10A of the Core Strategy Local Plan 2013.  2) The overall design of the public open space by virtue of the size and shape of the planters including the integral seating design is considered to be a downgrading from the original design concept and as such would be out of keeping with and detrimental to the character of the wider Harbour area contrary to section 7 of the National Planning Policy Framework 2012 and Policies B2 and D10A of the Core Strategy Local Plan 2013 and contrary to the original design concepts as outlined with the parameter plans of Outline Planning Permission for the development of the site for 8 dwelling houses (Ref: 131002)

Appeal:

Should the applicant appeal the decision the appropriate course of action to be followed, taking into account the criteria set by the Planning Inspectorate, is considered to be written representations.