A TERRACE of four “hidden homes” has been granted planning permission.

Brighton developer Boxleaf submitted plans to demolish a five-bedroom bungalow and double garage tucked away on the hill between homes in Hollingbury Road and Hollingdean Terrace, near Fiveways, Brighton.

In their place, it plans to build four terraced homes with four bedrooms each. It submitted plans for split-level homes to take into account the sloping site.

A number of neighbours sent objections to Brighton and Hove City Council along with former Labour councillor Tracey Hill, who represented Hollingdean and Stanmer ward until recently.

Cllr Hill said the proposals amounted to an overdevelopment. She said: “The space might well take some further development but seems inadequate for four houses with four bedrooms each.

“Car access will be incredibly problematic.”

Labour councillor Theresa Fowler, who also represents Hollingdean and Stanmer, said: “Four homes is too much.” She was concerned about the loss of some trees on the site and the dangers of cars coming and going in and out of a narrow passageway.

But Boxleaf shareholder Nicholas Strickland, 48, said the scheme was comparable to others around Brighton and given the need for the scheme to be financially viable, it was essential for the homes to have four bedrooms.

Long-serving Conservative councillor Carol Theobald said: “It’s one of the worst applications I’ve seen.”

Independent councillor Tony Janio said: “I just don’t see it working. It’s going to be a resident’s nightmare. This is going to cause chaos.”

But the committee voted seven to two in favour of the plans which are expected to generate a community infrastructure levy of about £36,000 for the council.