I would like to thank everyone who braved the bitterly cold weather last Thursday to attend our meeting - Peacehaven sewage works: the alternative.
The alternative presented at the meeting is called Starfish.
It is to be located outside the western arm of Brighton Marina, firmly attached to the seabed and extending above the high water mark.
Starfish uses a series of modular box-like structures with the internal capacity to house a complete sewage treatment works.
The benefits of this system are many. There would be minimal social and environmental impact as no land is required, while off-site construction and access by sea means no increase in traffic to the area.
This proposal would not involve the gasworks and could be seen an asset to the community as the Starfish system provides a platform for development - an ecology centre, perhaps, with tram links.
Starfish has been subjected to critical appraisal by leading engineering consultants ARUP.
In their view the strategy is practical and highly cost efficient, a point confirmed by water regulators OFWAT.
In 2003, at the invitation of Southern Water's consulting Engineers Mott Macdonald, a detailed proposal was made for a sludge recycling plant adjacent to Brighton Marina by ARUP and the Starfish company but
Southern Water failed to carry the project further.
The Starfish proposal was also sent to Brighton and Hove City Council and East Sussex County Council.
Peacehaven and Telscombe Regeneration Partnership will now be writing to these organisations and the local MP asking that this alternative proposal now be fully investigated before it's too late.
It is a viable alternative to the unpopular choice of Peacehaven.
It could also enhance and regenerate Black Rock as long as development on top of the platform is thoughtful and sustainable rather than (as is so often the case) profit-driven.
-Councillor Elizabeth Lee, chairman of Peacehaven and Telscombe Regeneration Partnership, Bevendean Avenue, East Saltdean
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