Upset over plan for home next to 19th century cottages

Outline plans going before Brighton and Hove City Council, would see the garage of 7 Belle Vue Cottages demolished and replaced with a house.

The private road at the top of Bear Road has 11 homes dating from the late 19th century.

Nine letters of objection have been submitted, citing problems with parking along the unadopted road, as well as the age and style of building.

One resident described the road as “taking a beating” from existing traffic as it is little more than a dirt track.

Another wrote: “The cottages are in a unique position and in my opinion should be within a conservation order.

“They have remained virtually unaltered since they were built apart from three or four garages and a small number of loft conversions.”

There was also concern further building in the semi-rural area would affect wildlife in the area, including badgers, pheasants and foxes.

Planning officers recommend councillors approving the plan.

The application is due to go before the council’s planning committee at Hove Town Hall on Wednesday, August 12 at 2pm.

Sarah Booker-Lewis is the Local Democracy Reporter for Brighton & Hove.