MP joins neighbours in opposition to flats scheme for Hove seafront

Neighbours, councillors and Hove MP Peter Kyle have objected to plans to build 37 flats on the seafront.
Kingsway Block artists impression as viewed from Braemore RoadKingsway Block artists impression as viewed from Braemore Road
Kingsway Block artists impression as viewed from Braemore Road

Labour MP Mr Kyle said that he was concerned about the way that the eight-storey block in Kingsway would affect the scheme’s neighbours.

And more than 70 letters of objection criticised the height of the proposed block, its bulky appearance and the overshadowing that this would cause.

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Other concerns included overlooking, leading to a loss of privacy, the plot being overcrowded and the lack of “affordable” homes.

Neighbour Wayne Coley, in front of divide  of the building raising concernNeighbour Wayne Coley, in front of divide  of the building raising concern
Neighbour Wayne Coley, in front of divide of the building raising concern

Only four of the 37 flats – just over 10 per cent – would be classed as affordable, for shared ownership, rather than rent.

Even though the council’s policy is for schemes of this size to include up to 40 per cent affordable housing, the independent District Valuer Service said that, at that level, the scheme would not be financially viable.

Three houses on the corner of Kingsway and Braemore Road would be demolished to make way for the proposed block, with the design said to have been inspired by the art deco Embassy Court.

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Wish ward councillors Robert Nemeth and Garry Peltzer Dunn, both Conservatives, also said that they objected to the scheme in its current form.

The corner of Kingsway and Braemore Road the proposed site for the flatsThe corner of Kingsway and Braemore Road the proposed site for the flats
The corner of Kingsway and Braemore Road the proposed site for the flats

They asked for it to be brought before the Brighton and Hove City Council planning committee for a decision because officials have recommended that planning permission is granted.

One neighbour, whose details were redacted on the council website, said: “There is no reasons why an eight-storey building with side wings of five storeys should be parachuted into this site.

“A more reasonable approach would have been to propose a four-story building, dropping in height to no more than three storeys. The Vega building is four storeys and is relatively suited to its context.”

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Another objector said: “The impact on the houses not part of the scheme is immense. There will be overshadowing, a loss of sunlight, intrusion from the rear windows which will overlook the gardens of the remaining houses.

“There is certainly not enough consideration given to the parking for the site or rather the lack of parking.”

Neighbours living next to the scheme – at 245 Kingsway – were concerned that if the house next to them was demolished, it would damage their home.

Wayne Coley and husband Olly Carter found that the quirky design of their 1926 house would leave part of its first floor “floating” in mid air should the neighbouring house be demolished.

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In a report to the Planning Committee, officers said that this was not a planning consideration.

And the developer Agenda Homes’s chief executive Jamie Barratt had assured them that their home would be left intact.

Oli Urpi, whose home in Braemore Road backs on to the scheme, had raised concerns about five-storeys of balconies looking over his back garden.

The planning application is due to be discussed by the council’s planning committee at Hove Town Hall next Wednesday (July 10).

The meeting is scheduled to start at 1pm and should be open to the public.

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