A former school can become a charity hub after councillors voted unanimously to approve the application.
Brighton and Hove City Council aims to use the former Homewood College, in Queensdown School Road, Brighton, as a charity hub for up to six years.
During the Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday 1 July, councillors quizzed officers on road safety, which had been raised as a concern in the planning officer’s report published ahead of the meeting.
Queensdown School Road is a narrow, mostly private road with no segregation of pedestrians from other highway users.
The committee were told there were no accidents along the road when it was operated as a school.
When councillors asked about the site being used as housing, they were told the estates team is looking into future uses.
One of the key issues is access for building works through the narrow tunnel under the railway.
Currently, the caretakers house is included as part of the site and would require a separate change of use to be used as housing.
The committee heard specific charities were not being named as part of the application as it was not certain who would be coming in, but Moulsecoomb-based Good News and a wood recycling project are interested.
Labour councillor Sam Parrott said “I know we are short of housing in the city and I understand that, but we’re also short of this kind of space as well.
“A charity hub is not a bad thing because in terms of place and environment, these things are really important as well so we do have space for these kinds of opportunities.”
Fellow Labour councillor Tobias Sheard said: “We are so desperate, we’re on our knees, we constantly mention we are stuck between the South Downs and the sea when it comes to planning and we require blue sky thinking.
“I think it is a crying shame that we cannot look at ways to develop this further.”
Green councillor Raphael Hill said: “There are fantastic housing charities in the city that might be using the hub that might formulate some of the answers to the housing crisis they are so passionate about.”
Conservative councillor Carol Theobald said: “I think it would be more beneficial for housing for the residents of the city, I do support charities.
“I will be supporting this but I just hope they will find another use before the six years is up.”
The committee voted unanimously to approve the change of use.
I’m for properties being used by charity groups; especially when we see many of them take on loads of work and penetrate communities that are difficult to reach and support normally, and academically they produce exceptional value for money. I guess that’s the balance to always consider – if you’re building just housing, where are your social spaces, your support mechanisms, and your local advocacy? Shelter AND sustainability is what makes a community thrive.
How about making it into a school for children with special needs. There is not enough provisions for the children with the highest of needs in the city due to council cut backs.
It would be ideal for a school for high needs with a peaceful environment to learn in.
Sounds lovely, you paying?
You’re so right. Maybe if we lick more boots money will be distributed in a fairer way.
You mentioned the problem, council cutbacks. Unless funding is in place then that’s a non starter.
I know a fella called Phil who would be happy to run such an establishment