PLANS to turn a former church hall into flats face opposition from neighbours.

Landlord and property developer Mike Stimpson wants to convert the former Mission Church Hall, in Bentham Road, Brighton, into nine flats.

The plans for a two-bedroom flat and eight studios in the Hanover area are due to be decided by Brighton and Hove City Council’s planning committee today.

Officers recommend turning down the bid from Mike Stimpson Properties because it does not provide a “good mix of units” and the studios would be “cramped”.

The developer said all nine flats would be available to let for a “social” rent through a Rent Smart Partnership Agreement.

“Social” rent levels are cheaper than living wage and affordable rents, with the latter set at 80 per cent of local market rates.

The company wants to link it with another scheme for 14 homes in Foredown Road, Portslade and offset any “affordable” homes required there by offering to let the entire Bentham Road scheme for “social” rents.

Its proposal said: “The application site has not been used for religious or community purposes since 1990. It is a rundown brownfield property which urgently requires investment and a new use to secure a sustainable future for the building.

“The proposals would make an efficient use of the building while making a meaningful contribution towards housing supply.”

Neighbours have sent 37 letters of objection and Green councillor Steph Powell, who represents Hanover and Elm Grove ward, has asked to address the planning committee.

Cllr Powell criticised the “cramped” studio flats and the small bin store in a letter, adding: “A huge and majestic elm tree sits right at the front of the current site. This absolutely must be retained. The biodiversity survey as listed in the documents does not acknowledge the bats and foxes which I believe have been spotted on the site, as well as a number of different species of birds.

“If this development were to go ahead, then I believe that it would be contrary to the biodiversity and carbon reduction policies as set out in City Plan Part 2.”

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