Brighton housing scheme sent back to drawing board

A Government Planning Inspector upheld Brighton Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for a new development of 94 flats over concern about harming the character of the neighbourhood and a lack of affordable housing.

The developer, RKO Developments, appeal was dismissed following a virtual hearing, with the Inspector noting that the ‘intensive’ nature of the development would cause harm to the character and appearance of the area.

Chair of the Planning Committee, Cllr Leo Littman, said: ‘The Planning Committee represents the people of the city in deciding how our built environment should evolve. We hold the needs of the city paramount, and listen to local people when determining planning applications.

‘We welcome applications which would help address the city’s acute shortage of all types of housing, and will continue to work with developers to ensure appropriate housing schemes with affordable homes continue to be built here. However, the Inspector’s support for our committee’s decision to refuse this application, should leave developers in no doubt, we will continue to refuse permission for schemes that do not deliver high-quality, attractive, sustainable buildings in which local people can live and work.’

Cllr Nick Childs, Labour Spokesperson on the Planning Committee, added: ‘A major concern was that the scheme didn’t provide anywhere near the 40% policy target we have set for major new developments to provide affordable housing. Meeting this target is crucial if we are going to solve the housing crisis that exists in Brighton and Hove.’

The Planning Committee approved applications to create more than 1,600 new homes across the city in 2020-21.

These schemes will also see developers contribute over £7.6m to provide new and improved infrastructure in the city to mitigate extra demand from new residents moving into these homes.

In related news, nearly £45m is set to be invested in green housing in the Liverpool City Region to tackle fuel poverty and reduce emissions.

Photo by Maciek Wróblewski