Plans have been submitted to turn nine shipping containers into low-rent business space.

The application has been lodged by the team behind Brighton’s homeless containers and will be at the same site in New England Road.

The nine 20ft shipping containers will create 96 sqm of office space as well as a community area and onsite management facility for Brighton Housing Trust – who run the existing site.

Ross Gilbert, from developers QED Estates, said businesses would not be put off moving into premises which were part of a homeless community.

He told The Argus: “I don’t think there is a problem whatsoever.

“The site is well managed and those living there are responsible adults.

“They take pride in where they live and there is a real community feel about the place.

“It’s the same as having offices in any other residential area.”

Mr Gilbert said the facility was needed due to a shortage of affordable space for small businesses and studios for artists.

He said: “We have been in talks with the council’s economic development department and we’ve found there is a need for space for the creative industries and artists.

“Not only do they need low cost space but they also need it to be flexible. If everything goes to plan we would like to see businesses moving in this summer.”

The nine containers will provide low-rent space ranging from five sqm to 30 sqm.

They will all have access to shared toilets and a communal kitchen and cost between £200 to £300 in rent each month.

The plans, which have been submitted to Brighton and Hove City Council, will see the containers on site for five years.

Mr Gilbert said the time period was designed to not interfere with any long-term proposals for the area.

He added that owing to the nature of the containers, they could be dismantled and re-constructed elsewhere as and when was needed.

The units are re-manufactured from old shipping containers which would otherwise have been scrapped.

The Findon-based QED Estates, who pride themselves on recycling materials, will use tiles rescued from landfill for the flooring.

The office units will be situated in front of the existing housing units.

No parking spaces have been included in the application although there will be six bicycle spaces.

The council is to make a decision on the plans by June 12.

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