Regional cancer centre at Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton

What was proposed

The application proposed a regional cancer centre with increased capacity, 26 more beds and an alternative to the main building’s Accident & Emergency service.

“Roy Evans addressed the committee on behalf of the Hospital Trust and stated that the development strategy was to improve the cancer centre as a key priority. Funding for other schemes in the UK have been restricted; however, Brighton has been allowed to continue with the development. Since the previous scheme was agreed the changes submitted here increase capacity, act as an alternative to Accident & Emergency in the main building, with 26 more beds.”

“Councillor Earthey was informed that the scheme was for a regional cancer centre and the application included a more efficient layout so would serve more people than was previously the case. It was noted that the overall parking was increased which relies on a park and ride for staff parking at Whitehawk Football Club and the racecourse, thereby releasing parking spaces for visitors and patients.”

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The site and design

The amended building would be higher and stepped back, with a ground-floor plaza, solar panels, parking and links to the Louisa Martindale Building.

“Councillor Thomson was informed that the amended building would be higher and stepped back. It was noted that there would be a total of 476 parking spaces on site with 107 given over to essential staff. 530 staff parking spaces are provided off site. The council highways officer noted that parking details were required by condition, including off site provisions which would be secured by legal agreement.”

“Councillor Theobald was informed that the off-site staff parking was considered to be working already, the rooftop garden will be replaced by solar panels and a plaza at ground floor, which will be more accessible, some of the public art fund has been spent in the Louisa Martindale Building (LMB) and the blue plaque attached to the demolished building will be attached to the new building.”

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Who spoke

A resident, a neighbouring ward councillor and a Hospital Trust representative addressed the committee.

Members’ debate

Members weighed the need for the cancer centre against concerns about parking, height, design, accessibility and the travel plan.

“Councillor Sheard considered there was a need for a cancer centre, however, they felt upset at the amendments as they preferred the previous scheme. It appears that the Trust demolished the old building then looked at the previous scheme, then amended. Parking will always be a challenge, and it was noted that the s106 agreement required the Trust to look for off-site staff parking.”

“Councillor Theobald considered the parking was an issue before on the previous scheme, and this will lead to more on street parking in the area. The design of the previous scheme appeared to be more characterful. The cancer centre is welcomed; however, the parking overall is an issue as is both the height of the proposals and that the previous design was considered to be better. The councillor did not support the application. 17.”

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The committee vote

The committee voted by 8 to 1 to grant planning permission.

“A vote was taken, and by 8 to 1 the committee agreed to grant planning permission.”

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The decision

The committee was minded to grant permission subject to a Deed of Variation, conditions and informatives, with refusal authorised if the deed was not completed by 30 July 2025.

“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 a Deed of Variation to the S106 agreement for planning permission BH2011/02886 (as amended by BH2021/03056), and the Conditions and Informatives as set out in the report SAVE THAT should the Deed of Variation not be completed on or before 30 July 2025 the Head of Planning is…”

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