Full planning application at 104 Cowley Drive, Brighton

The site and earlier use

The Toby Inn closed in 2006, and the site has been vacant since then.

“Ward Councillor Allen addressed the committee and stated that the Toby Inn had closed in 2006, and the site has been vacant since. The proposed new social housing will be good, giving homes to some of the 2,000 and more in temporary accommodation. The committee were asked how they could turn down the development which the councillor supported. The brownfield site has been redundant for two decades. The committee were asked to support the application.”

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An earlier permission

A councillor said permission had been granted in 2025 for five family homes.

“Councillor Theobald considered the loss of the pub to be sad there were not enough parking spaces. In 2025 permission was granted for five family homes, and this would have been better as they would have bigger gardens and would be in keeping with the character of the existing homes in the area.”

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What was said

A ward councillor supported the proposed social housing and asked the committee to support the application.

Questions about the scheme

Members asked about gardens, parking, access, wheelchair accessibility, biodiversity and whether the existing building could be reused.

“Councillor Theobald was informed that the proposed gardens were not very large, approximately 4 x 6.5m and all units have some outside space. The proposals are higher than the existing pub building, but they located in a different area of the site, in the northwest corner, a suitable distance from the existing neighbouring properties.”

“Councillor Robinson was informed that no parking survey had been undertaken and there five parking spaces were proposed. The layout of the parking would be agreed by condition, and no objections had been received from the Highways team. It was noted that there would be the need for an access ramp to the east of the building for step free access and across the site there was a drop in levels of 1.5m.”

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Members’ views

Members discussed the need for homes, parking, gardens, access, design, landscaping and the site’s location.

“Councillor Cattell considered that access issues needed to be overcome. The design was very good, and the affordable homes were welcomed. The councillor supported the application.”

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The vote

The committee voted by 9 to 1 to grant planning permission.

“A vote was held and by 9 to 1, the committee agreed to grant planning permission.”

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The decision

The committee resolved to grant permission subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report.

“RESOLVED: That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in the report and resolves to GRANT subject to the Conditions and Informatives as set out in the report. B”

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