Up to 100 new homes are being planned on unused land that has been described as a vital “green lung” between Hove and Portslade.
The new owner of Benfield Valley said that its initial plans would be shared with locals at the Hangleton Manor pub at the end of this month.
Hollybrook Homes said that its proposals included the renovation of Benfield Barn as well as up to 100 homes – with 40 per cent of them affordable – and recreation facilities on the greenfield land.
Residents will be given a preview at two drop-in sessions at the pub, with exhibition boards and a chance to ask questions.
Hollybrook wants to hear “the views of the local community and interest groups” before finalising and submitting any planning application.
The consultation sessions have been scheduled tor 4pm to 8pm on Wednesday 29 November and Thursday 30 November at the Hangleton Manor, in Hangleton Valley Drive, Hove.
David Godden, from Hollybrook Homes, said, “We have appointed a leading design team including architects, planners, environmentalists, heritage conservationists and landscape designers to generate ideas that will enhance the local environment and recreation in this area while also delivering much needed homes.
“We would like to show our ideas for Benfield Valley and hear the views of the local community and interest groups.”
The Benfield Valley design team is led by Proctor and Matthews Architects.
A leaflet was posted to local residents by Hollybrook Homes inviting them to attend the public consultation sessions.
Hangleton and Knoll councillors – Amanda Grimshaw, Faiza Baghoth and John Hewitt – said in a joint statement: “We are aware that a developer is submitting a new planning application to build on the Benfield Valley site.
“At the election we committed to opposing any development at Benfield Valley and stand by that.
“We urge all residents to attend the consultation meetings and make their views known.”
Hove MP Peter Kyle has also previously attended a cross-party event, with former Conservative councillor Dawn Barnett, in Benfield Valley, organised by campaigners to keep the valley green.
The plans will also be available online from Wednesday 29 November to Thursday 14 December at benfieldpark.co.uk.
Get them built
40% affordable is a big number compared to the norms of 3-10%. Get them built and make them stick to the 40%
I hope so too, that’ll be a deal breaker for me.
Greedy Council? The article literally says that the Councillors oppose it 🤦🏻♂️
If your going to rant, at least try to keep a link to facts. It’s a city.
Is this not a flood risk and cause increased risk for surrounding areas?
Good question to ask, will you be presenting that to them?
Yes I will, and on other environmental impact. There are so few trees in the area already, for example.
It’s an important consideration.
Why can’t they build a development on the seafront like this I don’t want a house in benfield I want one in the seafront ideally.
Where on the sea front?
How do we expect countries like Brazil not to deforest the rainforest if we cut down what little green spaces we have left
More new builds would be a great addition on Brightons seafront personally, that is what would attract me but of course this would be part of the affordable ones.
I’d certainly love to see consideration of the seafront at the very least.
If there is any housing development in Benfield Valley, it must include top quality public transport provision and safe routes for walking and cycling to amenities in Hangleton and Portslade. This is what’s missing in areas nearby so the most vulnerable residents can’t access opportunities, key services, and community life. It contributes to a vicious cycle of poverty and isolation.
Are for rent
You’re a bit premature.
They haven’t even applied for planing permission!
Me & my 33yrs old daughter are both disabled
Has there not been enough flats and housing built near to bus and other amenities on the sackville trading estate should we not preserve green spaces
I have lived in my bungalow for 37 years which back’s onto the Benfield Valley coarse. Over the year’s it has changed hands several times after
WestHove Golf Club moved and Sainsburys built their Supermarket.
These companies( in my mind) had one thing in common to build and concrete over our only precious green area from the Old shoreham Road to the downs.We keep hearing we need more housing but please use
Brown field sites not green.
Thank you Ken