A HUGE 20-storey development proposed for the seafront has been branded a “monstrosity” and an “eyesore” by residents.
Major plans have been submitted for the redevelopment of land between Basin Road North and Kingsway in Hove.
The application, submitted by Synergy Developments, is for a part three and part four-storey building, plus three towers of residential accommodation. The central tower would be 18 to 20 storeys, with the eastern and western towers nine to ten storeys.
It will comprise 1,144sqm of commercial floor space, 135 residential units, parking and a public amenity area.
The space is currently occupied by low level commercial units and an open yard area.
The site sits at the eastern end of Shoreham Harbour, to the west of Hove Lagoon. With the 20-storey skyscraper it would be the tallest building in Hove to date, following Livingstone House, according to website Emporis.com which monitors building heights.
Developers say the proposed commercial space would consist of a gym, a restaurant and offices.
Councillor Robert Nemeth, Conservative representative for the area, said: “Cllr Garry Peltzer Dunn and I were saddened to see such a tall proposal and will of course be working alongside resident groups to launch a strong objection as we have done consistently in the past.
“Following the Labour/Green vote to remove height restrictions, it is clear that the developer has been emboldened as past applications were for six storeys rather than twenty.
“Nonetheless, we will mount a strong campaign against the scheme and predict a high number of public objections.”
The planning application went live on July 12 and residents have begun leaving their feedback.
One described the proposed development as a “monstrosity that will overpower” the neighbouring area.
They wrote: “I do not object to a development per se, but this is a monstrosity that overpowers the neighbouring buildings. It is far too high, which is especially noticeable as it's too close to the road.
“The adverse effect on the local infrastructure (added traffic and strain on GPs, schools, nurseries) will be unacceptable as it's already struggling.
“I also object to the design which doesn't blend in with the surrounding buildings neither in colour nor architecture.
“Sometimes modern juxtaposed to old can work really well, but this design is plain boring.”
One person said: “The ten and 20 storey elements of this development will severely affect the amenity of the area.
“Whatever views there are of the sea after the development of the recently completed flats above Miller Bourne Architects will be lost.
“The properties on the northern side of Kingsway will lose daylight and sunlight for a significant part of the day, especially during the winter months.”
Another wrote: “The height of the planned towers is completely out of keeping with the surrounding area and will pose an eyesore.
“The design is considerably unpleasant and appears brutalist instead of modern like the adjoining recent development.
“The 'cages' on top of the towers are like prisons and hideous. The main issue by far with this plan is the height though.
“Being a sunken site below the road level at the A279 there is no reason for these to go more than four storeys above the higher road level.
“The plans are untenable for the local community at this stage.”
Synergy Developments was asked for comment.
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