RESIDENTS warning of a “high-rise disaster” met last night to help develop a masterplan for their area.

About 50 Hove residents met to discuss a formal neighbourhood plan, called “Hove Gold”. The plan is to ensure residents’ opinions will be heard in future planning decisions.

This comes after concern about the size of tower blocks planned in Davigdor Road area of Hove. Campaigner and resident in the area for 35 years, Kevin Gaughan, said: “These developments are being brought forward without a broader consideration for the local community and its effect on amenities.

“This place is a great and fun place to live and the fear is these overbearing blocks will change the character of Hove.

“It’s important to consult the local community, not impose something on them.”

The meeting was called after developers Crest Nicholson submitted plans for a series of large tower blocks.

Campaigners believe the plans are not in keeping with the area’s low-rise housing.

They also fear they will end up like the Artisan building in Davigdor Road, which failed to sell much of its housing and had a negative affect on the area, according to residents.

Crest declined to attend the meeting last night.

Resident Sam Goult, 35, gave a presentation to concerned residents about developments in the area.

He said: “We don’t people to repeat the same mistakes with carbon copies of the Artisan building.

“We’re setting up the Gold Neighbour Plan so residents get a seat at the table and preserve the character of Hove which is being slowly ruined.”

Residents will be given information on new developments and will have their concerns and opinions taken on board for formal presentations in council meetings.

Labour councillor Jackie O’Quinn, who also spoke at the meeting, said: “I have tried and tried to engage with developers. They say they will talk to residents - but only after planning permission has been approved.”

More information about the group can be found online at www.hovegold.com.