A planning inspector has granted permission for a housing association to build 32 homes on an “urban fringe” site in Saltdean.
The Hyde Group will create a new close or cul-de-sac on a three-acre plot of land behind Falmer Avenue on the edge of the Downs.
The plans, submitted in 2014, won the backing of Brighton and Hove City Council officials but were rejected by the council’s Planning Committee just over a year ago.
The committee members – made up of elected councillors – reflected the views expressed in more than 200 objections and a petition signed by more than 2,000 people.
Hyde appealed and, after a three-day public inquiry, planning inspector Kenneth Stone gave his backing to the scheme.
The 28 houses and four flats include 13 homes classed as affordable and two that are wheelchair-accessible. The scheme was designed by Hove architect Alan Phillips.
The housing association is being asked for a developer contribution of £376,000 – almost half of it for local schools, including the oversubscribed Saltdean Primary School.
The land was owned by retired timber merchant Ted McNorvell whose home will be demolished to make way for the entrance to the cul-de-sac.
Hyde said: “We welcome the inspector’s findings and are especially pleased the inspectorate agreed with us that the design of the development for 32 family homes was ‘high quality, appropriate and well-conceived’.
“We know the need for new homes in Brighton and Hove is high and we are delighted the Hyde Group is playing its part in the local community with these much-needed family homes.
“The inspector found that the financial contributions from the development will ensure that the homes do not put undue pressure on local facilities.
“It is hoped construction will begin later in 2017.”
Planning consultant Paul Burgess, of Lewis and Co, said: “We are delighted to win this appeal for Hyde New Homes.
“The city urgently needs new family homes and the creation of a modernist neighbourhood in Saltdean will reflect the art deco history of the area.”
The planning inspector said: “The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted for the demolition of the existing house and stables and construction of 32 new dwellings together with open space, landscaping and associated access road and parking and a new pedestrian link between Falmer Avenue and (the) South Downs footpath at 6 Falmer Avenue, Saltdean.”
In his decision letter, sent on Tuesday (21 February), he said: “The council formally refused planning permission for one reason which related to the design of the scheme and its effect on the character of the local area and the surrounding landscape.
“The main issue in this appeal is the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the surrounding area and landscape, including the South Downs National Park.”
The site was originally included in the national park but it was taken out after its inclusion was described as a clerical error.
Clerical error eh? I wonder how much that problem cost to ‘fix’?
So do I
I hope those walls are not made of External Wall Insulation with nail polish thick render on the surface. If it is, expect mould, algae, damp internally and a very squalid appearance within 4 years. EWI is not in good odour at the moment and the problem is made worse in the marine environment which is moisture-laden.
The council can now look at sorting out the horrendous sea front road and traffic problems in the area. The sea front road which links Saltdean to Brighton and the Falmer road which brings traffic into the historic village of Rottingdean is atroscious and getting more and more congested making it very unpleasant for the local residents.
Both roads are completely grid lock in the morning and evening and I would certainly think twice before buying one of these homes unless you want to spend your life sitting in a traffic jam, or your kids breathing poisoned air on the walk to school.
Seen on the map where this is. Don’t know what the fuss is all about, tucked away at the back. No one will see it anyway. 2000 complaints, bunch of lizards.
Don’t know what the fuss is all about? No one will see it?
1) I spent a lot of money on a property in Saltdean precisely because it had views of the Downs. Some of us have chosen to live ‘tucked away at the back’ because we like peace and quiet.
2) Local roads, school and GP surgery are at more than capacity. The air quality in Rottingdean breaches EU regulations, and some local residents have to use oxygen because of the traffic congestion.
3) Unless you also live in this part of Saltdean, mind your own business and stop offering meaningless comments about our community.