New Hove storage depot to replace Jaguar car dealership

The current metal and glass structure, in Old Shoreham Road, will be demolished and replaced by a three-storey brick-fronted building. It will include flexible office space and ten parking spaces.

The dealership, Harwoods Jaguar, is moving to the site of the old Argus building in Crowhurst Road, in Hollingbury.

Nineteen neighbours sent objections to Brighton and Hove City Council complaining about the size of the proposed building – and its design. They were also worried about the potential noise and traffic.

Conservative councillor Tony Janio asked about the access road to the Martlets Furniture Store and other businesses behind the site next to PC World.

At a meeting of the council’s Planning Committee at Hove Town Hall, he was told that the access road would remain in place even though it formed part of the site.

Another Tory councillor, Dee Simson, said: “It’s good to have a presentable building fronting Old Shoreham Road with a more commercial look behind.”

Labour councillor Daniel Yates said that he understood neighbours’ concerns about noise from the loading yard.

He said: “It is clear from the site visit that there are operations going on in that yard at the moment giving the same level of noise. It cannot have a significant impact.”

The proposed changes at the site, which is opposite the bottom of Holmes Avenue, were approved unanimously by the planning committee on Wednesday (October 9).