New scheme for Hove seafront site to go before planners

The developers went back to the drawing board after strong opposition to a 17-storey plan initially pitched for the site.

The earlier plan never went before councillors - it was withdrawn after a campaign by the ‘No to Sackville Tower’ group made up by residents.

After a series of consultation events with residents, including letting them design their own scheme with architects, Hyde has come back with new plans for a five-to-eight storey building.

The 60 homes would be made up of studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments, with balconies and terraces, 27 parking spaces and 80 spaces for bicycles.

Brighton and Hove City Council officers have recommended the scheme for approval, but with conditions.

Officers laid out three options for affordable housing: five affordable rents and four shared ownership properties; eight rented; or 12 shared ownership.

It also asked for £60,192 in contributions for education, £129,908 towards recreation projects on Western Lawns, £18,200 on employment and training schemes, £63,900 for transport improvements and asked that the developers use a minimum of 20 per cent local labourers.

In total 76 letters of objection were received by residents over the building’s height, over-development of the area, a lack of car parking, loss of privacy and the standard of accommodation – saying the units were too small. The lack of affordable housing in the initial application was also criticised. Five letters of support were also received.

A Hyde spokesperson said: “We are pleased council planning officers have recommended approval. We have worked hard to engage with the local community, holding several consultation meetings and the final plans were designed with significant input from the local community. We are confident this scheme will be a step in the right direction to help tackle the shortage of homes in Brighton and Hove.”

Brighton and Hove City Council’s planning committee will meet at 12pm on Wednesday at Hove Town Hall.