36 affordable homes at Land North Of Swanborough Drive, Brighton

What was proposed

The scheme would provide 36 affordable homes, community space, sustainable transport measures, landscaping and ecological improvements.

“Stephen Drybrough addressed the committee as the agent acting on behalf of the applicant, Brighton and Hove City Council and stated that the development would provide 36 affordable homes, on the site set down in the City Plan. There were 6,000 on the housing register and this development will be an opportunity for families to have a home. Following consultations the development has been shaped for the community, with a community space forming part of the proposals.”

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Parking and local concerns

Residents said congestion and parking were already serious problems and asked the committee to refuse the application.

“Lauren O’Connor addressed the committee as resident representing other objecting residents. They stated that they were not opposed to a development on the site, however, they were concerned that there was not sufficient infrastructure for the proposed development. The residents have been involved in the consultation process since 2022 and stated that parking was a major issue. It appears that no one is listening.”

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Who spoke

A resident representative opposed the application, while a ward councillor and the agent supported it.

Questions about the scheme

Members discussed parking capacity, bus travel, cycle spaces, accessibility, energy performance, landscaping and the community space.

“Councillor Sheard was informed by the applicant that there would be one visitor parking space, undercroft parking, two additional blue badge parking spaces and car club bays as well. Also 46 cycle spaces, long stay, 12 short stay, plus 6 e-bike stands. It was noted that the access pathway to the community orchard would remain unchanged.”

“Councillor Thomson was informed by the applicant that the community space was identified in the community engagement. There are other spaces, however, these are located further south on the Whitehawk estate. The proposed space will be a large hall with kitchen, which could be a café or meeting place. It was noted that the site was identified as housing allocation, even though there was a bee bank at the location.”

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What members debated

Members supported the homes and design while recognising concerns about parking and transport.

“Councillor Theobald considered the design, with balconies and terraces, was good and the city needed affordable housing. The proposed community space was good; however, more parking spaces would have been better. The scheme was good for Brighton and Hove; therefore, the councillor supported the application.”

“Councillor Sheard considered that parking was an issue, however, there was a housing shortage and the city needed homes. Transport issues can be looked at, perhaps the new 1x bus could be re-routed to include the Whitehawk estate. More cycle parking would be better. The councillor supported the application.”

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The vote

The committee unanimously agreed to grant planning permission.

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

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The decision

The committee was minded to grant permission subject to an agreement or council decision securing the stated terms, conditions and informatives.

“RESOLVED: That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in the report and resolves to be MINDED TO GRANT planning permission subject to the applicant entering into a Memorandum of Understanding or a decision taken by the Cabinet/Director of Property and Finance of the council to ensure delivery of the Heads of Terms set out in the report, and also subject to the Conditions and Informatives as set out in the…”

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