Man shocked by trees planted on new tower in Brighton

Luke Cooke spotted trees being planted atop the York and Elder development near the New England Quarter in Brighton.

He fears the trees could be "uprooted" in high winds, causing damage to buildings or even people.

Luke told The Argus: "I couldn’t believe that a piece of nature was sat upon a huge lump of ugly concrete. My first reaction was utter shock.

"I honestly believe that, on a windy day, these trees will simply be uprooted and get carried by the wind at dangerous speeds, potentially hurting someone."

He took a picture of the trees on the tower (Image: Luke Cooke)

Luke, 24, has lived in Brighton all of his life. He added: "I'm used to seeing trees and I'm used to seeing buildings, but this is my first time seeing them combined.

"I've seen many trees that have come down in my life. Even trees that are big, old and have miles of roots keeping them in the ground.

"It concerns me that in a coastal town which is known for the weather, people would stick trees up high above a populated area."

He lives in the Preston Road area of Brighton, which he feels could potentially be at risk should a tree fall from the roof of the building, carried by the wind.

Luke Cooke (Image: Luke Cooke)

The development takes the site of the old Longley Industrial Estate, and will be home to more than 200 people.

• Read more: 'A balance of sublime and shabby' - readers share what makes them proud of Brighton

Inusrance and asset management company Legal & General are running the project, which had plans first approved in March 2019. Each property will be rented as part of a build-to-rent scheme.

Trees on the top of the development (Image: Luke Cooke)

Luke shared his concerns with the wider community in Brighton on the Facebook group Brighton Skies.

He received many responses rejecting his concerns. One said: "This is no different to trees on hills, or mountains."

Legal & General, along with construction company McAleer and Rushe has been approached for comment.