Neighbours fight plans for eight-storey block of flats

So far Brighton and Hove City Council has received 72 letters of objection  to the proposals to demolish three homes at 239-243 Kingsway to build the block of 37 flats.

One resident, Oli Urpi, is concerned about loss of privacy as the proposed flats will overlook his family home in Braemore Road.

He said: “What they have put in is a step down towards us, so there are five stories finishing six metres from our house.

“Five stories with balconies on the back looking into our garden, where they can see us sitting in the conservatory eating dinner.

“Our garden would not be private as we would be overlooked by people.”

He believes if built his family would lose 40 per cent of the sunlight in their garden.

Mr Urpi pointed out that even though there are eight-storey blocks on the opposite corner and between Berriedale and Welbeck Avenues, he believes the proposed building is taller.

Limited parking is among the many issues raised by neighbours.

In her letter, Braemore Road resident Philippa Bull said: “For a proposed building of 37 units on the site, there is very minimal car parking provision, especially insufficient visitor parking which will lead to pressure on on-street parking on the surrounding roads.

“The proposed access, removes the amount of existing on-street parking bays and is directly opposite another car park entrance.

“This will lead to a significant concentration of car movement at the junction and a danger to pedestrians and cyclists.”

A total of 26 parking spaces, including two disabled bays, and 54 cycle spaces are included in the development.

The developer, Agenda Homes, said it expected future residents to use 24 parking spaces.

Hove’s Labour MP Peter Kyle and Wish ward Conservative councillors Robert Nemeth and Gary Peltzer Dunn have also objected to the project.

Mr Nemeth said: “Councillor Garry Peltzer Dunn and I have worked hard with residents to liaise with the developer and assisted in the creation of the Braemore and Berriedale Residents’ Association to get the best possible deal for our area.

“To his credit, the developer was very approachable and turned up to all meetings that we called for. However, it was not possible to square our positions.

“We are currently against the scheme but are still holding out hope that several elements will be improved including, in particular, the massing of the rear elements.

“If changes are made to the satisfaction of those living nearby, we will be delighted.”

Ahead of the planning process the developer held public consultation events resulting in several changes of design.

In its supporting statement, Agenda Homes’ agent Indigo said: “The development proposals will not result in any unreasonable loss to the privacy of neighbouring properties.

“The units in the scheme are designed to prevent overlooking and protect the privacy of occupiers of properties in Braemore Road and Kingsway without unduly restricting the quality of the proposed accommodation.”

Anyone wishing to comment or view the application can search for BH2018/00937 in the planning section of the council’s website.