Agenda item

A planning application was submitted for several new commercial pitches on and near Littlehampton Seafront in line with previous instructions from Members.

Development Control Committee has deferred this application and requested that Littlehampton Regeneration Sub Committee consider the proposals and make recommendations to them in respect of the planning application.

            In consideration of this matter, Councillors Cooper and Mrs Cooper spoke to the item.

            On 26 May 2020 the Development Control Committee considered an application for temporary commercial pitches on the Littlehampton Promenade near the river and at Banjo Road Coach Park.  Members had deferred the application on several grounds and particularly wished to receive the views of the Subcommittee prior to determination.

            The Subcommittee now received a full and comprehensive report from the Senior Regeneration Officer which addressed all the issues raised by the Development Control Committee in respect of the proposal.  Members were advised that the overall aim was to boost the local economy through the enhancement and improvement of the Littlehampton Seafront offer for its visitors.  This would draw in more visitors, encourage them to stay longer and spend more, thus increasing footfall which would in turn benefit all the businesses located in the vicinity and, as a footnote, support the aims of the Strategic Tourism Review which had been considered as a previous item on the agenda.

            Members expressed a number of concerns in the course of consideration of this matter which revolved around:-

·         Potential to replicate facilities/services to the detriment of existing businesses

·         Potential sale of alcohol which would exacerbate an already serious problem

·         Potential for unattractive units and furniture at the relevant sites

·         For safety reasons, paddle boarding or water activities should not be allowed near the river due to it being so fast flowing and dangerous

The Senior Regeneration Officer was able to assure Members that any commercial activities that took place at the two sites could be regulated via conditions attached to an Operating Schedule as drawn up by the Property & Estates Department, in consultation with Legal, to ensure that control was secured on what was being provided.  She was also able to advise that the Town Council was keen to utilise Banjo Road and that the Town and District would work together to ensure there was no conflict with other events.

Member comment as made that the proposal offered the opportunity to encourage new outlets into the town to provide activities and services for the benefit of tourists and residents alike and there would be no need to replicate.  Additional support was given that there was a need to provide a stronger offering along the seafront    

             In concluding the debate, it was formally proposed and seconded that the Subcommittee advise the Development Control Committee that it supported the planning application and that restrictions would be attached to the Operating Licence and would be enforced by the Property & Estates Department to ensure that the Riverside site only provided facilities relating to recreation and entertainment, with no food or drink, and that the Banjo Road site would be permitted to sell food but no alcohol and to provide recreation and entertainment.  On being put to the vote, the Subcommittee agreed.

            The Subcommittee

RESOLVED

That the Development Control Committee be advised that the Subcommittee supported the planning application and that restrictions will be attached to the Operating Licence and will be enforced by the Property & Estates Department to ensure that the Riverside site only provides facilities relating to recreation and entertainment, with no food or drink, and that the Banjo Road site will be permitted to sell food but no alcohol and to provide recreation and entertainment.