More than 1,000 people have written for and against controversial plans to redevelop one of Hove’s orthodox synagogues.
Currently there are 723 objections and 440 letters of support for the scheme which is recommended for approval by Brighton and Hove City Council planners.
Brighton and Hove Hebrew Community wants to replace its existing synagogue, community hall, nursery, school rooms, underground car park and rabbi’s house with a new complex in New Church Road, Hove.
Objections range from the height and design of the buildings to overdevelopment of the site.
One objector wrote: “It is inevitable that a development of this size will result in increased traffic volume, congestion and noise and it will exacerbate an already difficult challenging parking problem.
“An underground car park for approximately 50 cars is not enough for a site that could accommodate as many as 150 people at full occupancy.”
Another objector wrote: “This is a huge overdevelopment in an area already overburdened by local flat development.
“The huge height, overshadowing and number of properties being proposed are just the first, most obvious problems for the surrounding residents.”
Parents at neighbouring St Christopher’s School are also concerned.
One parent wrote on the council website: “Seven windows at St Christopher’s School will have diminished daylight and this reduction is outside BRE (Building Research Establishment) guidelines.
“The height and positioning of the western block will also severely diminish daylight to the playground, which is used from 8am to 6pm each school day, impacting the lives of 300-plus individuals, the majority of whom are young children.”
Supporters are in favour of the design and the community elements of the scheme.
One anonymous commenter on the council website, who described themselves as a Hove-based architect, said that they would welcome the development on their street.
They said: “The construction of 45 new homes is essential and an increasingly rare opportunity in a city with inadequate housing provision.
“The extra classroom spaces and facilities to support the Jewish community in the area are also vital.
“There is far too much ‘nimbyism’ in Hove, which wouldn’t be the city it is without the contribution of the local Jewish community.”
