Windows, deck and seating at Imperial House, Brighton

Summary of planning committee decision

Decided by Brighton And Hove Planning Committee on 7 May 2025.

BH2025/00222Approved

What was proposed

The application proposed timber double-glazed windows, a rear deck with covered storage and seating, and paint to the ground-floor front elevation.

“Planning permission is sought for the replacement of the existing windows with like for like timber framed double glazed windows, the erection of a rear external deck area with covered bin and bike stores and a partially covered outside seating area. Permission is also sought to paint the ground floor front elevation.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a five-storey office building in the West Hill Conservation Area on the west side of Queens Road.

“The application site falls within the West Hill Conservation Area and comprises a five-storey building in use as offices on the west side of Queens Road.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier permissions covered entrance refurbishment, rear window replacement, replacement entrance doors and rear air-conditioning units.

“BH2023/02863 Refurbishment of the main entrance, incorporating repairs to render, redecoration at ground floor up to and including the raised pilasters and first floor balcony railings, replacement of anti-bird spikes to balconies, replacement of tiled flooring with new porcelain tiles, replacement of existing intercom unit. Approved 13.12.2023”

“BH2012/02121 Installation of replacement entrance doors. Approved 05.09.2012”

Officer report

Consultation response

Transport officers queried cycle-space numbers and accessibility, while heritage officers accepted the works subject to glazing details.

“Sustainable Transport: 19.03.2025 Further information required The applicant has kindly provided cycle parking in the rear garden, accessible via a pedestrian passage from North Road. The cycle parking includes 20 spaces using two-tier cycle racks with e-bike charging facilities.”

“The replacement of windows with timber double glazing should be acceptable provided the windows on the upper floors are in slim section double glazing. The ground floor windows on a shopfront such as this would normally be in thicker laminated or toughened glass. There is no objection to whichever method is used, but we should have clarity on the details of the glazing proposed. A condition should be included requiring sections through the glazing.”

Officer report

What people objected to

Six objections cited noise, smoking, alley use, security, crime, safety, traffic, boundary distance, conservation effects, property value and design.

“Six (6) letters have been received from objecting to the proposed development for the following reasons: • Increased noise and smoking • Increased use of the access alley • Security compromised - gates could be left open • Potential increase in crime/anti-social behaviour • Loss of safety • Additional traffic • Too close to the boundary • Adversely affects Conservation Area • Detrimental effect on property value • Poor design…”

Officer report

The committee decision

The committee agreed the officer recommendation unanimously, granting planning permission subject to conditions including limits on seating and site activity.

“This application was not called for discussion. The officer recommendation was therefore taken as having been agreed unanimously.”

Minutes

Sources

  • Brighton And Hove Planning Committee minutes, 7 May 2025
  • Agenda and papers (council website)

Source: Plota analysis of Brighton And Hove's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.

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At the meeting

Date
Wednesday 7 May 2025
Recommendation
Officers recommended approval
Committee decided
Approved
Vote
Unanimous
Minutes
The council's minutes
Meeting
Agenda and papers (council website)

This committee's year

11 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting.

Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.

Every decision by this council's committees →