NEIGHBOURS are backing a plan which replaces a waste transfer site with hundreds of student rooms.

There are 52 comments supporting proposals to build a complex of five to seven-storey buildings at One Moulsecoomb Way, Brighton.

The development would replace the KSD Environmental Services site and St Francis of Assisi Church.

Developer McLaren proposes 378 student bedrooms as well as offices and community space on the site on the corner of Lewes Road.

The company built the Vogue Studios and Stoneworks further south along Lewes Road.

Heavy traffic, road safety and smells from the waste transfer site are among the themes in comments supporting the scheme on Brighton and Hove City Council’s website.

One anonymous commenter said: “I’m fed up with the queueing traffic and congestion caused by the entrance to this waste facility being so close to the main Lewes Road.

“Year on year the problem gets worse. Get rid of this hideous operation and move it somewhere more suitable. The proposed student accommodation gets my vote.”

Another said: “The current operation at this site is noisy, smelly, unsightly and potentially hazardous for our children who have to cross the road to access their school.

“I can see nothing but a benefit for the local community by the replacement for this eyesore with a modern facility to house students.”

In January, Moulsecoomb and Bevendean ward councillor Daniel Yates presented a 1,250-signature petition calling for a new site for KSD Environmental due to concerns about safety and traffic. But he said the council could not force a company to move.

He asked officers to monitor the site and reminded petitioners the area was part of the McLaren proposal.

There is also hope the new scheme will free up family homes currently converted into student houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

A comment on the council website said: “Imagine attending university and staying in a nice safe building rather than some shanty rundown townhouse that’s been converted for a private landlord to make a quick buck.

“This can only encourage the people that do use the university and stay here to gain qualifications and remain in a city that they would have enjoyed studying in. “

Moulsecoomb Primary School has objected to the plans, saying the tall building would overlook its playground.

There is a public meeting on Wednesday for people to discuss their reaction to the application.

It is being held at Moulsecoomb Leisure Centre, Moulsecoomb Way, at 7.30pm