Green Party candidate Sian Berry has joined calls for a Royal Mail development in Brighton to be scrapped.
Meeting with residents in Patcham, Ms Berry, who is standing in Brighton Pavilion at the next general election, called for a new approach to transform the Patcham Court Farm site.
A proposal to build a new Royal Mail distribution centre to replace two central sites in Brighton and Hove has been staunchly opposed by residents in Patcham, who have expressed concerns over the impact it could have on the environment and congestion in the village.
However, Royal Mail has dismissed the criticism and said the development is an “excellent opportunity to create a new environmentally-friendly and purpose-built delivery office”.
Residents are working on proposals in collaboration with business and community groups that they hope will provide an alternative vision for Patcham Court Farm, including a suggestion to create low-impact buildings and use renewable energy to transform the area into a multi-functional space.
Ms Berry said: “Local residents and experts have been absolutely clear that Royal Mail’s plans for Patcham need to be scrapped.
“What Royal Mail are suggesting will be bad for business for our city and will exacerbate problems now and into the future.
“We have an exciting chance to transform the Patcham Court Farm site into a valuable community space and environment that reflects our city’s identity.”
Campaigners argue that Royal Mail’s plans pose a danger to the city’s drinking water, would exacerbate known flood risks and significantly increase traffic and pollution.
Rebecca Kimber, who co-chairs the Patcham Against Royal Mail campaign, said: “For people travelling into Brighton via the A23 and A27, Patcham Court Farm is effectively the front door to our city.
“We must stop Royal Mail’s proposals that will cast a dark shadow over the entrance to Brighton and will add considerable traffic and accident risks to our already highly congested road network.”
More than 1,000 residents have objected to the plans during a council consultation, including the current Green MP for Brighton Pavilion Caroline Lucas.
The development at Patcham would see it replace the offices at Brighton's North Road and Denmark Villas in Hove.
Royal Mail were approached for comment.
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