Restaurant and 50-bed hotel at Harvester Windmill, Littlehampton

What was proposed

The application proposed a replacement restaurant with 222 seats, eight bedrooms and a new 50-bed hotel with associated works.

“The ground floor will comprise an 222 seat restaurant (open to hotel and non-hotel guests) and 8 bedrooms. There will be 25 bedrooms to the first floor and 17 to the second. The main entrance to the restaurant will be on the south elevation with an entrance for hotel guests to the east.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site was hardstanding beside the Windmill, a public car park, leisure facilities, the beach and residential properties along South Terrace.

“There will be landscaping and planters to the south and east with an outdoor seating area. The restaurant and bar open directly onto public-facing elevations. SITE AREA0.29 hectares TOPOGRAPHYPredominantly flat. TREESNone affected by the development. BOUNDARY TREATMENTThere is a brick wall to a height of approximately 1.8m to the western boundary which adjoins with the Windmill. Heras fencing separates the site from the adjacent car park to the east and promenade.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

An earlier application for a family dining outlet with a play area, staff flat, car park and landscaping was approved in 1999.

“LU/239/99/External alterations to form a family dining outlet with play area, staff flat, car park and landscaping ApproveConditionally 16-11-99”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to drainage information, conditions and a unilateral undertaking securing a travel plan and monitoring fee.

“Grant permission subject to submission of additional information to satisfactorily address drainage comments and the addition of suitable conditions and subject to the satisfactory completion of a section 106 Agreement to secure a Travel Plan and monitoring fee, with any minor amendments authorised by the Group Head of Planning.”

Officer report

Consultees’ views

Most consultees raised no objection subject to conditions, while the conservation panel and drainage engineers objected to aspects of the scheme.

“ADC ECOLOGY - No objection subject to conditions regarding enhancements and lighting.”

“AREA CONSERVATION ADVISORY PANEL - Objection, overly large and below the standard which should be required for such a prominent site. It would detract from the setting of the Conservation Area and Area of Character.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Three public speakers took part: two objectors and the agent.

Members’ discussion

Members welcomed the redevelopment and sustainability measures, while discussing visual impact, construction traffic, car-park safety and flood risk.

“Members welcomed the redevelopment of the site and noted the wider public benefit to Littlehampton’s seafront. Concern was raised about the visual impact and duration of construction, and it was requested that construction-site screening allow space for local events and regeneration notices. Questions were also asked about construction traffic routing, particularly given the recently resurfaced public car park and its heavy use in summer.”

“A question was raised about flood risk given the site’s location in Flood Zones 2 and 3. Members sought reassurance on the strength of the flood-risk assessment and the need for a sequential test. The Officer confirmed that the Environment Agency had raised no objection and that mitigation measures would ensure safety.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee delegated approval to the Group Head of Planning, subject to completing a unilateral undertaking for a travel plan and monitoring fee.

“As no further comments were made the Chair then put the recommendation to the vote.”

“That delegation to the Group Head of Planning be given to grant approval subject to the satisfactory completion of a Unilateral Undertaking (UU) to secure a travel plan and monitoring fee, with any minor amendments authorised by the Group Head of Planning.”

Minutes