Green homes plan for Hove is back (From The Argus)

Green homes plan for Hove is back

6:50pm Thursday 24th January 2013 in News

A landmark eco-development is back on the cards.

Proposals for Portzed, dubbed the greenest homes in Brighton and Hove, were thrown out by planners nearly a year ago.

But those behind the zero-carbon, zero-emission in Kingsway, Hove, have now submitted revised plans for the terrace of lozenge-shaped buildings.

In order to counter local residents’ concerns, the height has been lowered and the number of apartments reduced from 67 to 52.

But campaigners claim they still have concerns over the proposal.

Colin Brace, of Harbour View Developments, said: “We were obviously disappointed to get a refusal of the scheme last year and, since then, have been focusing on redesigning the scheme to overcome the initial refusal reasons and take on board the observations and concerns of residents.

“I believe the removal of the turbines and the reduction in height and the number of apartments will overcome the original refusal reasons.”

Revised plan

In a ruling in February by Brighton and Hove City Council’s planning committee, developers were told the planned “egg-box” buildings were too high and would block out light to neighbouring homes.

The revised plan has one, two and three bedroom flats above shops, offices and support facilities.

Among the retail units that could be installed are a therapy clinic, community visitor centre and vegan café.

Comments are currently being accepted on the plans and a decision is expected to be taken in April.

The Kingsway and West Hove Residents’ Association will discuss the new plans at its meeting on February 5 in St Leonard’s Church Hall in Glebe Villas, Hove at 7.30pm.

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