Planning Comment Nov 08

Conservation Advisory Group Meeting

 11 November 2008

Application BH2008/02809

87/89 Seafield Rd, garage to the rear of 47 St. Aubyn`s, Hove.

"Demolition of existing garage and erection of new two bedroom residential unit"

It was noted that a previous application to build a house on this very small site had been refused. Both HCS and CAG considered the current application to be similarly inappropriate and took into account the arboricultural report which signals the danger of damage to the root systems of two nearby street trees and of the sycamore in the neighbouring garden. Recommended for Refusal.

Application BH2008/03148 & 03149

9 Tongdean Road, Tongdean Conservation Area.

Full planning and Conservation Area Consent for demolition of existing house and erection of 3 family dwellings.

It was pointed out that the existing house, an imposing keynote building, is a very rare example in the city of "Deep South ante-bellum architecture", and that as such it fully merits conservation. HCS suggested that a reasonable proposal might involve retention of the existing house and construction of one new dwelling in the rear garden. The proposed 3 new houses would be inconsistent in design with the overall tenor of the area, e.g. they would have flat-roofs whereas the norm in the area is pitched. Recommended for Refusal. 

Application BH2008/03112 7 03315

33 & 35 St. John`s Road, Brunswick Town, Hove.

"Demolition of existing 2 storey 2 semi-detached dwellings along with front walls. Partial excavations toward the rear for the construction of 2 new 4 storey dwellings with rear gardens and off street parking".

HCS was in favour of recommending Approval on the grounds that the existing houses are very undistinguished and that the proposed replacements would be an improvement. On balance, however, CAG preferred to make "No Comment".