RESIDENTS are divided over plans to build multi-storey blocks of flats which some say will overshadow a school playground and increase traffic.

Brighton and Hove Hebrew Congregation (BHHC) plans include demolishing the synagogue and two Victorian villas at 29 to 31 New Church Road, building a smaller one in its place and adding four-, five- and six-storey buildings to house classrooms, a nursery, a cafe and 45 flats.

With just days to go before the public consultation period ends on August 9, neighbours and parents of children at St Christophers School are fighting it.

Jim Ashcroft, who lives in neighbouring street Westbourne Gardens, said: “We were first shown the plans in November and since then, myself and some neighbours have been in an uphill battle to get our voices heard.

“We are not against the site being redeveloped, but the two huge five- and six-storey blocks of flats will change our area forever.

“St Christophers School will be overshadowed.

“Also we are not happy because traffic will increase, as well as the added noise and pollution.”

The mixed-use site is due to take two years to build and also includes offices, a social hall, meeting rooms, classrooms for St Christophers School to share, and a large underground carpark.

So far there are 103 objections and 91 supporting comments under the planning application online.

A letter to the planning department from an anonymous person from St Christophers School expressed support for the project but concern about the “height and proximity” of the buildings closest to its site.

Ivan Lyons is one of the Conservative candidates for Westbourne in next year’s council elections and is also the treasurer of the BHHC.

He said: “The proposed buildings have less height than existing buildings in the area, and I have found the majority of neighbours are lukewarm but I understand the concerns and I will be arranging a meeting for wider residents.”

Peter Kyle, MP for Hove and Portslade, said: “Whilst a six-story block of flats is in keeping with the height of other buildings in the area, I’m concerned about its impact on the care home and on its direct neighbours which why I’m asking the developers to personally meet the residents most impacted.”

The Bloom Foundation, which is supporting the project, was contacted for comment.