A couple’s plans to knock down a mock-Tudor home and replace it with a modern house have been slammed by objectors, who say the new building looks like a “low budget 1980s shopping centre”
Patrick Mitchell and Valerie Goldstein want to demolish 2 Roedean Crescent, which Mr Mitchell bought for £1.4 million last November, and build a new five bedroom house with an excavated basement, swimming pool and car turntable.
Mr Mitchell has submitted a planning application to Brighton and Hove City Council, which three people have submitted objections to.
Unlike other local authorities, Brighton and Hove City Council redacts the details of those objecting.
One said: “The proposal to replace this beautiful house with a vile bland square box is shameful.
“Brighton and hove council is allowing the character of Brighton to be destroyed by the relentless creep of these featureless blocks which spoil the environment for residents and visitors alike.
“There are plenty of people who would love to live in the exciting house exactly as it is. If people want a new build why don’t they find some land and build it there! Shocking.”
Another said: “The applicants wish to demolish a perfectly good attractive home and replace it with a faceless box possessing all the architectural merit of a low budget 1980’s shopping centre.”
The planning application, written by Foster Lomas architects, includes several examples of modern buildings in the same road.
It says: “The existing dwelling at 2 Roedean Crescent dates from the 1930s and forms part of the established residential development that characterises the surrounding area.
“The property reflects architectural styles prevalent at the time of its construction and, like many houses within Roedean Crescent, has been altered and extended over the course of its lifetime.
“Whilst the property remains in residential use, its layout and construction are representative of a bygone era and are not ideally suited to modern patterns of living.
“The proposed dwelling has been sited to respond positively to the established urban grain and prevailing pattern of development along Roedean Crescent.
“The siting and orientation of the dwelling have been carefully considered to optimise long-range views towards the English Channel while avoiding overlooking, protecting neighbouring privacy, and maintaining a high standard of residential amenity.”
