Community concern over new student accommodation in Coldean (From The Argus)

Community concern over new student accommodation in Coldean

3:02pm Friday 28th October 2011 in News By Emma Walker

Neighbours are concerned new student accommodation is putting pressure on parking and an already oversubscribed bus service.

Residents fear the impact of more students moving into the University of Brighton's Varley Halls on Coldean Lane, which currently houses 400 students.

Secretary of the Coldean Residential Association (CRA), Robin Berry, 66, said: “We cannot stop students legally parking on the grass verges or on bends of side roads leading into Hawkhurst Road.”

The CRA suggested yellow lines and wooden posts be installed along the verges and roads affected, although both may take some time to be approved.

Mr Berry said the association hoped to work out the problems with the University of Brighton after receiving complaints from residents over parking issues.

Brighton and Hove City Council approved the £33 million development of Varley Halls, which is due for completion in June 2012.

A University of Brighton spokesperson said: “We always take concerns expressed by residents seriously.

"To this end we are meeting with Coldean residents and tenants groups to discuss parking issues in the area.”

Under a low emissions policy students are told not to bring cars and instead make use of cycle facilities, the shuttle bus and offers for a loan to purchase a bicycle.

Mr Berry said residents remained unconvinced students would leave their cars at home and feared increased pressure on what is already an oversubscribed bus service.

Green Party Councillor of the Hollingdean and Stanmer Ward, Sven Rufus, said: “We hope the meeting will help us identify the problems residents in Coldean face, and by being able to talk to each other, to be able to sort out any problems as they come up."

Representatives from the CRA, Brighton and Hove City Council, Brighton and Hove Buses and other friends of Coldean will meet over the coming months at Varley Halls in attempt to resolve these issues.