Concerned with the visual appearance and mix of North Laine

Sandy Crowhurst

Barry Leigh

AGM report on Planning & Environment, 2009/10

By Barry Leigh and Sandy Crowhurst, NLCA Planning & Environment Coordinators

The Planning and Environment Coordinators have looked in detail at all the planning applications for North Laine, as well as applications for those adjoining it and major ones outside it.  We continue to represent North Laine on the Conservation Advisory Group (CAG).

Conservation Advisory Group (CAG)

CAG consists of a range of representatives from conservation areas in Brighton & Hove, plus the Brighton Society, Regency Society, Royal Institute of British Architects, Hove Civic Society, Sussex Archaeological Society and representatives from Brighton & Hove Council. CAG meets every three weeks to look at major applications affecting conservation areas and comments go to the Council’s Planning Sub-Committee for their consideration.

Between March 2009 and March 2010 the CAG discussed approximately 130 applications, five of them in North Laine (two of them twice), and one in nearby York Place (also twice).

Planning

The NLCA is different from many amenity societies in that our response to planning applications is entirely democratic, with the majority of them being discussed at our monthly meetings, open to all residents. We have had to make a decision outside a meeting on just two occasions in the past year due to having to meet the Council’s closing date. Overall, our meetings have discussed over 50 applications.

No changes without permission

As a community association our major concern is the visual appearance and mix of the area. There is an Article 4 direction on the area, which means that no changes can be made without planning permission. We do not usually comment on aspects that are not visible, but we support neighbours if they contact us and their property is affected.

Mostly minor applications

Most of the applications in the past year were fairly minor, with no major developments being proposed for the area with the exception of the relocation and redevelopment of GB Liners storage. One issue that was raised during the year was Velux windows on several properties in Queen’s Gardens, which were approved by the Council despite being advised that it was against their policy. We are glad that the Article 4 direction has reduced the number of applications for uVPC windows, which are unsustainable and are not suitable within the area. We applaud the Councile for prosecuting an applicant for installing uVPC windows without permission in the neighbouring Valley Gardens and we hope that they will increase their enforcement effort.

Some more important sites

The refurbishment of GB Liners offices/flats has been completed. The Queensberry House refurbishment, which backs onto Frederick Street, is also near completion. There is no current application for the vacant site on the corner of Portland Road and Church Street, and the section of the Brighton Station site bought by Beetham Towers to build a 42-storey building is being used as a temporary car park. Although permission was granted for a hotel to be built on the vacant casino site in Queen’s Road, no development has started – probably due to the current economic climate.

Redevelopment of London Road

Last year we referred to the potential redevelopment of the London Road area, which included the Open Market. The Council held stakeholder events and public consultations and the outcome was a new document called ‘The London Road Central Master Plan’.  This was adopted in December 2009 and is part of the Brighton & Hove Local Development Framework (LDF).  This plan provides an estimated timetable for implementation of master plan proposals and will be regularly assessed and monitored.  It is easily available to read on the Council’s website.

Communal bins

These have been in place for nearly a year now, and regular collections are made (although many residents complain about being woken up earlier than they would like!). 

And don’t forget…

Residents are reminded to look out for planning applications that might affect them. These are published weekly in The Leader, available at both Brighton and Hove Town Halls (they are outside, on boards) and are also on the Council’s website. Plans can now be seen online and this has helped in not having to go to either Brighton or Hove Town Halls to see all the plans. We only now have to go where the scheme is too large to see online. We hope that others will look at plans which affect them and comment to both Brighton & Hove City Council and to ourselves.

[Previously published in the North Laine Runner, No 203, March/April 2010]