A CASE against ten houses being built near a school’s grounds has been upheld after a two year battle.

Developers appealed against the refusal of their proposals for ten homes at the northern boundary of Varndean College’s grounds in Brighton, made in November 2017.

The school raised concerns over the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area.

In particular, it voiced fears over encroachment on its open space and how the development might affect its views and biodiversity.

The development planned to include one two-bed house, six three-bed houses, three four-bed properties and new access to the site from nearby Surrenden Road as well as car and bike parking for the new residents.

Need

Three of the homes would have been affordable housing.

It was argued “there is a clearly identified need for affordable housing within Brighton and Hove and the proposed dwellings would assist with meeting that need”, said a report into the appeal.

The Planning Inspector said: “I am therefore satisfied that this proposed obligation meets the relevant tests and I give its provisions significant weight.”

It concluded: “On balance, I consider that the harm I have identified through the loss of an area of open space and a view that contributes substantially to the character and appearance of the area, when assessed against the policies in the framework as a whole, significantly and demonstrably outweighs the benefit of the provision of ten additional dwellings notwithstanding

the acknowledged need for housing in the city.

“I have found that the development would result in the loss of open space that performs a valuable function due to its openness and the extensive view it allows and would thus cause substantial harm to the character and appearance of the area.

“The conflict with the development plan in this respect would not be outweighed by the benefits of the proposed development.

“For the reasons given above, and having regard to other matters

raised, the appeal is dismissed.”