Rottingdean residents can help make history by having their say on the future of the former St Aubyns School and surrounding area.
Situated in the heart of the village, the site is one of the most prominent to become vacant in recent years and any development will shape the village for future generations.
Parish councillors considered the site so important that they have included Brighton and Hove City Council’s draft planning brief in a time capsule recently buried at the War Memorial to commemorate 100 years since the start of World War 1.
Following the closure of the former St Aubyns School in April 2013, Rottingdean Parish Council and residents approached the council expressing concern about the future development of the site. Since then, the council has worked with the Parish Council to draw up a draft planning brief for the site.
Earlier this year, members of the council’s economic development and culture committee approved the draft planning brief for further consultation.
Once adopted, the planning brief for the site will be used alongside the Neighbourhood Plan (currently being drawn up by Rottingdean Parish Council) as guidance for future planning applications in the village.
Geoffrey Bowden, chair of the committee, said: “The document sets out development principles for this important site that will respect the character of existing buildings and the conservation area while meeting the needs of the community.
“We have worked with the parish council, the landowner, local councillors and residents to create a brief that reflects their aspirations. Now we are inviting residents to help us shape with our proposals to breathe new life into the site’s historic assets.
“Please come along and take the opportunity to express your views on this important site in the heart of Rottingdean.”
Brighton and Hove City Council will be holding a six week consultation on the draft brief which finishes on 17 October.
Residents are invited to attend a staffed drop-in exhibition at The Grange, The Green, Rottingdean, on Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 September from 10am – 5pm.
The exhibition will remain in this location for the remainder of that week (October 1 to 4) but will be unstaffed.
The draft planning brief and exhibition material can also be viewed and downloaded from the council’s web site.
