Community hall and seven homes at 25 East Street, Shoreham-by-Sea

What is proposed

The scheme would create a church and community hall, parish office, five houses and two flats, with alterations including partial rear demolition and a new roof.

“Site: Site Of And Land At St Marys Church Hall, 25 East Street And 1 And 1A New Road, Shoreham-by-sea…”

“Proposal: Change of use to provide a mixed use with a new church/community hall and Parish office, and 7 no. residential units (comprising 5 houses and 2 flats). Includes partial demolition at rear, replacement roof and new rear roof extensions, rear extension, new glazing and door/window openings and removal of shopfronts…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The two-storey building stands on a corner in the conservation area, with a former shop, parish office, pottery and church hall uses.

“The application relates to a two storey building located on the corner of East Street and New Road within the Shoreham Conservation Area. There is a recently vacated retail unit on the ground floor fronting East Street (formerly an antiques shop). A Parish Centre office and Shoreham Pottery are located on the ground floor fronting New Road. There is a church hall use above at first floor level.”

“That part of the building on the corner of East Street and New Road was built as a school in the 1830s. The building constructed on the east side was opened in 1912 as a hall (St Mary’s Hall) before being subdivided into shop units.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

A larger 2009 scheme for ten flats and retail was refused and its appeal was dismissed on living-conditions and infrastructure grounds.

“ADC/0023/09 Part demolition (retaining corner building no. 24) and mixed use development (four-storey building) to provide 10 flats (9 two-bedroom and 1 three-bedroom) above ground floor retail space ( site incl.1/1a New Road) - refused on the following grounds:”

“A subsequent appeal was dismissed but the Inspector concluded that the proposed development would enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and preserve the setting of the grade I listed Church. Appeal was dismissed on grounds only relating to impact on living conditions of a proposed dwelling approved under a different application (but not built subsequently) and that there was a lack of financial contribution towards infrastructure.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the enhanced community facilities, seven homes and building improvements justified the retail loss and would preserve or enhance the conservation area.

“On balance, and weighing up all of the issues, it is considered that the loss of the retail units would be compensated to some extent by the provision of enhanced community facilities which would maintain an active frontage on East Street. It is acknowledged that the units to be lost in New Road are currently occupied and no marketing evidence has been submitted to demonstrate that there is no demand for those units in the future.”

“The proposal is considered to have far less impact on the Conservation Area than the previous scheme in 2009 as it seeks to retain and convert the existing building only. Overall, the proposal is considered to be a sympathetic scheme which respects and enhances the character and appearance of the existing building. As such, it will also preserve or enhance the conservation area and will not harm the setting of the listed Church.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two registered speakers spoke in support, explaining the community spaces and saying that different energy solutions, including solar panels, would be considered.

Members’ discussion

Members viewed the proposal as a major improvement, accepted the parking position because of public transport, and acknowledged the loss of retail space.

“During debate Members concurred that this was a favourable application and a vast improvement on what was currently there. They agreed that the lack of parking should not be an issue because of the site's close proximity to public transport and hoped that this would encourage a more creative approach to sustainable travel with 1”

Minutes