ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners have blasted plans for a huge new development because it does not have enough cycle lanes.

Brighton and Hove Friends of the Earth (BHFOE) said cyclists in the planned Toad’s Hole Valley development will find living there “quite challenging”.

Proposals for the development include 880 homes, land for a new secondary school, and a community centre.

But Chris Todd, of BHFOE, said the plan will fail to provide “safe and convenient” walking and cycling for the site’s residents.

“If you are concerned about climate change and want to reduce your transport carbon emissions, then you could find it quite challenging living in Toad’s Hole Valley,” he said.

>> SEE ALSO: Here are the £300m plans for the Toads Hole Valley site

“The cycle paths don’t join up or extend to all areas.

“Their proposed link across the A27 would be a challenge Indiana Jones would be proud to accept.

“It has five crossings, a chicane, and a gate.

“And you still might not end up where you want to be.

“Worryingly, there are no plans to improve cycle links into the city.

“Nothing along Nevill Road to the supermarket, schools and colleges and other facilities there, and nothing to Hove Station or into the city centre.”

The Argus:

Mr Todd claimed the “climate emergency” had not registered with developer Toad’s Hole Valley Ltd.

He said transport is currently responsible for 23 per cent of the UK’s carbon emissions.

It is the only sector in which emissions have risen.

But Mr Todd said the site would cause congestion on the roads and did not have good bus links.

“There are concerns buses won’t adequately serve the site and could get caught up in congestion caused by the development,” he said.

“It seems the climate emergency hasn’t registered with the developers. For them it is business as usual.

“Yet we need to act fast on transport emissions.

“To do that we need developments like Toad’s Hole Valley to be leading the change, not locking in carbon intensive behaviour.”

A spokesman for the development said bus routes will be improved and extended.

“New and enhanced routes will be provided to the South Downs and along King George VI Avenue,” he said.

“Twelve acres of open green space will be opened up for all to benefit from, including a community food growing space and areas for play.

“The 21-acre area of nature conservation interest will be enhanced to protect and encourage local wildlife.

“This application will provide for the needs of Brighton and Hove, with half of the homes being family-sized and 40 per cent being affordable.”

Plans for the site were submitted to Brighton and Hove City Council last December.

Alongside the 880 homes, it included a neighbourhood centre with space for shops.

Forty per cent of the homes will be classed as affordable, meaning they will be priced at maximum 80 per cent of market price.

The current greenfield site is a large 99-acre grassy area between Hangleton and the A27.