CONTROVERSIAL plans for the former site of Amex House have been approved despite 96 letters of objection from local residents.

In what councillors described as a “difficult decision”, the proposal by developer First Base was approved eight to four after a two-and-a-half hour discussion at Hove Town Hall.

The plans will see 168 homes, parking spaces, shops, and enough office space to accommodate 2,000 staff built on the site in Edward Street, Brighton.

Residents from nearby streets attended the planning meeting to object to the proposals on multiple grounds.

Derek Peacock who lives on White Street told the committee: “We are pro development and pro city plan but the development we have before us today is not the right scheme and we ask that you will reject it.

“We passionately want a development that will enhance the lives of Brighton and Hove residents and that all can share.”

The developer has agreed to pay almost £1 million towards a number of local schemes.

Adrian Hart who lives on nearby Carlton Hill told The Argus after the decision: “Three cheers for those that had a bit of guts and voted against these proposals.

“It could have gone either way and you got that sense as the debate took place so I’m really disappointed.”

Concerns were raised about parking, design, and failure to meet the 40 per cent affordable housing target.

And the consultation process with the community was criticised.

Labour councillor Adrian Morris said: “To me this is just poor design.

“I really feel sorry for the people of White Street.

“They’ve had to suffer the new Amex building and now with this development the impact on this area is going to be huge.”

Councillors Warren Morgan and Julie Cattell urged the room to think of the development’s overall good for the city.

Cllr Cattell, chairwoman of the city council's planning committee, said: “This project will help address the need for good quality office space for small and medium-sized enterprises in the heart of the city.

“It will create 168 new homes and thousands of jobs, as well as bring a vacant site back into use.”

Work is set to start in September and it should open by the end of 2020.