Residents living just metres away from a block of flats which sprung up without them being directly notified are planning on protesting this weekend after one went on sale for an eye-watering £380,000.
The hefty price tag on the two-bedroom Richmond Parade flat, about £150,000 more than the average cost of a flat in the city according to the Land Registry, has rubbed salt in the wound of those living in Ebeneezer Apartments.
A group of them have complained to the ombudsman about how Brighton and Hove City Council notified neighbours of the plans, as although the blocks are only a stone’s throw from each other, individual flats were not notified, as council policy is not to write individually to residents of blocks with 15 or more units.
Site notices were also placed in locations which residents did not habitually walk past. The city council dismissed their original complaint, saying their objections would have made no difference to the outcome of the application, but amended its guidance to ensure notifications are placed close to the entrance of neighbouring blocks.
Residents took their complaint to the local government ombudsman, which is continuing to investigate their concerns.
An open day for viewings on the flat is due to take place on Saturday, and residents are planning on marking the occasion by protesting outside.
http://www.monckton.com/supreme-court-gives-judgment-landmark-consultation-case/
http://ukhumanrightsblog.com/2014/10/29/consultation-duty-gets-to-the-supreme-court/
http://ukconstitutionallaw.org/2015/03/16/richard-clayton-qc-fairness-consultation-and-the-supreme-court-there-is-sometimes-an-alternative/