Full planning application at Withdean Sports Complex, Brighton

Neighbour concerns

A neighbouring resident objected to additional traffic and raised concerns about parking, access, flooding, coaches, facility expansion and a possible two-storey car park.

“Simon Farncombe addressed the committee as a neighbouring resident and stated that they were not against the pool but the additional traffic. Is the park-and-ride still active, or not. Signage was removed in November. Is the park-and-ride, formal or informal. Is there to be an application for a two-storey car park to accommodate the additional planning requirements. The proposed walkway doesn’t go anywhere. Pedestrians will use other access points.”

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The applicant’s agent

The agent said the park-and-ride was not formal, discussions were ongoing about car park opening times, and the pool would benefit the community.

Questions about access

Members discussed transport, parking charges, coach parking, accessibility, flooding, trees and biodiversity improvements.

“Councillor Theobald was informed that there was seating at the poolside, however, no competitions were held at the pool, and the pool was for community use. There is no provision for coach parking presently, however, this would be introduced into the new car park. The Principal Transport Development Officer confirmed that coaches currently drop off on Tolldean Lane and Withdean Lane, on double yellow lines. The number of coaches is not known.”

“Councillor Thomson was informed that the biodiversity net gain would be 10% and this would be onsite provision by landscaping and off-site units. The Ecology team are happy with the application and the condition to provide updates. 34 small trees are be introduced across the site with, details to be provided by condition. Two trees are to be lost from the overflow car park. The majority of trees are to be retained.”

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Members’ views

Members supported the pool’s community, safety and health benefits, while discussing parking, public transport, trees and the building’s design.

“Councillor Theobald considered the building design to be bland. It was a shame that trees would be lost, as well as parking spaces. The swimming pool is good for the community as training in the city is good for safety and a healthy lifestyle. The councillor supported the application.”

“Councillor Sheard considered that teaching residents to swim was good and the pool will be a benefit to the area, which outweighs the loss of parking. The councillor supported the application.”

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The vote

The committee unanimously agreed to grant planning permission.

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

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The decision

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.”

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