Hippodrome venue changes at The Hippodrome, Brighton

The building and surroundings

The Hippodrome is in a residential area and historic core, with Middle Street and Ship Street nearby.

“Chris Smith addressed the committee as a resident and stated that they lived opposite the Hippodrome, and they were a director of Avalon. There is a great deal of noise from Middle Street, and the Hippodrome was in a residential area. The increase in proposed numbers will have a negative impact. The transport plan is not good enough. 450 taxis arriving and leaving at night will add the existing parking issues. The emergency services will have an issue with access.”

“Councillor Earthey was informed that the roof will increase by 3m in total height, however, any loss of view was not a planning consideration. The roof is already sited on a position which is taller than the properties in Ship Street Gardens and therefore increasing the scale of the roof would have little impact on properties to the south of the site.”

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Concerns and proposed safeguards

Residents objected to increased capacity and impacts, while the applicant proposed acoustic works, marshals, event management and other measures.

“Simon Lambor addressed the committee as applicant and stated that they wanted to save the Hippodrome. The previously proposed members bar has been removed. The 2300 capacity is half of that seen in the 1960s, and the bingo hall also capacity for more. The acoustic treatments are to protect the residents and over £1m has been spent on engineers to set up the plans, with modern compliances being an issue.”

“It was noted that the conditions to be removed related to the balconies and external bar areas, which are no longer to be used. There is no relaxation of controls. The gating of Ship Street Gardens is not a planning matter in itself but that marshals could be required as part of the Event Management Plan. The new roof is the best way forward for acoustic insulation.”

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Who spoke

Two residents addressed the committee, followed by the applicant, who explained the restoration plans and proposed mitigation.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed heritage, safety, residents’ concerns, capacity, transport, the roof, event reviews and the importance of performing arts venues.

“Councillor Sheard expressed concerns that performing arts venues were dying out. The residents’ issues and concerns were noted; however, this is a city centre location.”

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The committee vote

The committee voted unanimously to grant planning permission.

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

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The decision

Planning permission was approved subject to the conditions and informatives in Appendix B.

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

Minutes