Condition changes at Patcham Court Farm, Vale Avenue, Brighton

Who spoke

A resident spoke against the application, while the applicant’s representative and agent spoke in support.

Questions about the changes

Members discussed solar panels, acoustic walls, noise, the green wall, drainage, biodiversity, vehicle access and landscaping.

“Councillor Sheard was informed that Royal Mail were open to discussions regarding the use of the roof space by other companies as solar panel holders. The green wall is for screening and will face south. The green wall be maintained by condition. It was noted that the Environment Agency found the aquifer to be 15m below ground level and by condition there were to be no ground works.”

“Councillor Theobald was informed that condition 30 needs to be updated to include the new noise report. The green roof is part of the holistic design of the site, and the small front extension is no longer needed. The green meadows have been removed from the scheme following the realignment of the car park.”

Minutes

What members debated

Members weighed the loss of green features and solar panels against visibility, screening, noise, safety, sustainability and the proposed changes.

“Councillor Theobald considered that seven conditions to be amended was a lot. The moving of HGVs to the south part of the site was not good, as reversing vehicles make noise. The loss of the green roofs, and some screening was not good. The new frontage will be very visible and therefore worse. There will also be a risk of flooding. The councillor was against the application.”

“Councillor Sheard was concerned at the impact on the aquifer and the loss of solar panels. The councillor considered on the whole the scheme meets the levels of sustainability, and solar panels could be added to the roof later. The loss of the green roof was a concern. The councillor supported the application. It was noted that an informative could be added to the scheme, requesting that Royal Mail look into solar panels.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee voted by 9 to 1 to grant planning permission.

“A vote was held, and by 9 to 1 against the committee agreed to grant planning permission.”

Minutes