Agenda and draft minutes

To receive and record apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Lloyd.

To receive the minutes of the Site Viewing Working Party held on

The minutes of the meeting of the Site Viewing Working Party held on 23 June 2020 were received.

To receive and record declarations of interests from members present in respect of the various matters on the agenda for this meeting.

There were no declarations of interests.

Proposal: First floor balcony and replacement spiral staircase

Additional Information

The site was the subject of a site briefing by the Site Viewing Working Party

Proposal: First floor balcony and replacement spiral staircase

The Committee considered the written report and recommendation from the Head of Planning to refuse permission.

The Committee received the supplementary information, circulated prior to the meeting which:

(1)         gave details of the internal layout of 2 and 4 Seaview Terrace as requested by the Site Viewing Working Party;

(2)         updated the officer’s report including an amended reason for refusal;

(3)         included the minutes of the Site Viewing Working Party held on 23 June 2020;

(4)          included a copy of the presentation given to the Site Viewing Working Party held on 23 June 2020; and

(5)          included a written deputation submitted by Councillor Bowerman in support of the application.

The Committee noted that the following question had been submitted since the agenda was published:

“How many properties near to the application site have balconies?”

All the members confirmed that that they had read the above supplementary papers prior to the meeting.

The members received a presentation from the officers outlining the report and answering the questions raised by the Site Viewing Working Party and mindividual members of the Committee since the agenda was published. The Working Party noted that the existing south elevation drawing needed to be amended to reflect the position that there are no existing second floor balconies.

With regard to the deputation received from Councillor Bowerman, the officers commented that:

(a)          it was recognised that the property featured an existing fire escape platform and staircase, which overlooked the harbour and Seaview Terrace cottages at first floor level. However, it was considered that proposed balcony was more overt and would change the use of the platform from a fire escape to a more functional balcony area, which would be used for gatherings and functions to the detriment of the occupiers of 3 and 4 Seaview Terrace

(b)          although there were other balconies on nearby properties, these did not create a precedent due to their different relationship and impact on the cottages in Seaview Terrace;

(c)          the main concern was that the proximity of the proposed balcony to the cottages in Seaview Terrace and its use and operation would appear overbearing and lead to overlooking, which would have an unacceptable impact on the properties immediately to the rear of the application site;

(d)          it was acknowledged that the applicants had made amendments to resolve some of the concerns of the officers. However, these changes did not overcome the officers main concern relating to the impact of the proposed balcony on the 3 and 4 Seaview Terrace; and

(e)          although there was community support for the application, the Council was required to consider the impact of a proposal on current and future occupants when making a decision.

In response to questions from the Committee, officers advised that:

·                         The balcony shown being constructed at 4 Orange Row in the presentation was set back further and had a more  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.