Rear dormers and front window at 2 Richmond Road, Brighton

What was proposed

The application sought householder permission for two rear dormers and a new front bathroom window filling a blank space.

“Dominic Furlong of the Round Hill Society addressed the committee and stated that they objected to the application on behalf of the society. The application has undergone some changes, however, there were still elements of concern. The rear dormers should under policy SP12 not unbalance or disturb the roofscape. The application property is one of four houses in a unified composition.”

“Chloe Lewis addressed the committee as the agent acting on behalf of the applicant and stated that they appreciated the case officer’s recommendation to grant planning permission. The two rear dormers will be hard to see from nearby properties, and there are other dormers in the street and nearby. The dormers are required for stair access to the loft room. The front elevation window does not interfere with the building and there are others in the road.”

Minutes

The building and surroundings

The property forms one of four houses in a unified composition, within a conservation area where nearby rooflights, dormers and front windows were discussed.

“Michael Doyle of the Conservation Advisory Group (CAG) stated that the group were working with the council on heritage and conservation. The groups views were represented in the case officers report. The group support the box sash windows, welcome conservation rooflights, however, there are no other rear elevation dormers in this section of buildings. The harm would be viewable from nearby roads.”

Minutes

What speakers said

The objectors raised heritage and roofscape concerns, while the agent said the dormers were hard to see and the changes would improve the property.

Members discussed the changes

Some members opposed the application because of the conservation area and front window, while others found the dormers or replacement window acceptable.

“Councillor Shanks considered the conservation area was important and the committee needed to be careful. The councillor was against the application.”

“Councillor Sheard considered it was a shame about the blank window being removed; however, the design of the replacement window was good. The councillor supported the application.”

Minutes

The committee voted

The committee voted by seven to three to grant planning permission.

“A vote was held, and by 7 to 3, the committee agreed to grant planning permission.”

Minutes

The application was approved

Planning permission was granted subject to the conditions and informatives in the report.

“RESOLVED: That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in the report and resolves to GRANT planning permission subject to the Conditions and Informatives in the report.”

Minutes