Coldean residents apply for more control in future planning

Residents of Coldean have put forward applications to form a neighbourhood forum.

They could be given more powers under neighbourhood planning, a way for people in the area to help choose where they want new shops, homes and offices to be built.

The residents would also have the opportunity to decide on the aesthetics of new buildings and what infrastructure and facilities are needed.

It can be led by a parish council or by a neighbourhood forum set up for the purpose.

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Neighbourhood forums are open to anyone who lives or works in the area they cover.

Once they are officially approved, neighbourhood forums can prepare a neighbourhood plan, setting out local planning policies for their area.

Neighbourhood plans must be broadly in line with the city's development plans.

Once approved, neighbourhood plan policies will be used to help decide the outcome of planning applications in the area.

Coldean residents also want to create their own "neighbourhood area" covering the whole of Coldean and the surrounding area lying within the South Downs National Park.

The proposed boundaries stretch from Lewes Road to Ditchling Road and from the Wild Park boundary to the A27 Bypass.

The neighbourhood plan policies would apply to the neighbourhood area.

Cllr Martin Osborne

Councillor Martin Osborne, co-chairman of the tourism, equalities, communities and culture committee - which oversees planning policy - said: "Neighbourhood planning gives local communities the power to set out what they want in their area and have their plan considered when deciding planning applications.

"We welcome all comments on the proposals drawn up by Coldean residents, and I hope it may inspire more people to create neighbourhood forums and Neighbourhood Areas."

People can send their comments or make enquiries by email to neighbourhoodplanning@brighton-hove.gov.uk or give their views in writing to Neighbourhood Planning, Brighton and Hove City Council, First Floor Hove Town Hall, Norton Road, BN3 3BQ.

Paper copies of the submitted documents will be available in Coldean, Jubilee and Hove libraries.

Large print copies of the documents are also available on request. Telephone enquiries can be made to our answerphone service on 01273 291580.

The closing date for comments is October 7.

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