Toads Hole Valley development: Councillors asked to step in

Hundreds of people have objected to plans for a new housing estate on a greenfield site in Hove but no one is listening, according to neighbours.

One of the objectors, Gareth Hall, asked councillors to step in after accusing the developer of dodging questions about plans to build more than 1,000 homes in Toads Hole Valley.

Mr Hall said that the Labour MP for Hove, Peter Kyle, was willing to chair a meeting where residents could quiz the developer’s representatives.

The current measures aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus were, though, adding to the challenges of arranging a public meeting.

• READ MORE: Here are the £300m plans for the Toads Hole Valley site

The developer, Toads Hole Valley Limited, submitted a planning application in 2018 for homes, shops, offices, industrial space, a sports centre and school at King George VI Avenue, known as Snakey Hill.

The application is expected to be considered by Brighton and Hove City Council’s Planning Committee next year.

This year, the company held two online meetings where its representatives gave presentations but asked for questions to be sent to them by email.

At one of the meetings, earlier this month, the developer said that its revised plans no longer included a secondary school because it was not needed.

Instead, the developer plans to build an extra 180 homes on the site, taking the total to 1,062.

Plans for how the development could eventually look

After the public meeting, two Conservative councillors, Samer Bagaeen and Vanessa Brown, who represent Hove Park ward, submitted an objection, citing concerns about the scheme’s effect on traffic in neighbouring streets.

Mr Hall spoke out at a virtual council meeting on Thursday, saying the development's website "may as well not exist".

“They don’t respond to email questions despite committing to do so at consultation meetings where they won’t take any questions," he said.

“What are the council going to do to persuade the developers to consult properly with the public as outlined in the Brighton and Hove statement of community involvement?”

Mr Hall is worried that his neighbours may not be aware of the potential effect of housing on the volume of traffic in the area and the risk to wildlife, particularly dormice.

It has been estimated that Goldstone Crescent could have 40 to 60 per cent more traffic if the Toads Hole Valley plans are approved as they are.

• READ MORE: Residents say Toad Hole Valley plan could be a nightmare because of traffic congestion

With dozens of documents and hundreds of comments opposing the plans on the council’s website, Mr Hall fears that many people will struggle to find their way through the scheme’s details.

Green councillor Martin Osborne said that council officials had “strongly encouraged” the developer to carry out comprehensive public consultation with the community.

Councillor Osborne said: “Unfortunately, there is no requirement for developers to consult with residents, but we agree this should be happening.

“In response to these requests, the developer has undertaken various rounds of consultation and had meetings with residents. I know officers and councillors have attended those meetings.”

Toads Hole Valley Limited said that the company had held public engagement sessions since 2017.

A meeting was held for residents after the Toad Valley plans were revealed

A representative, David Shetcliffe, head of operations at public engagement specialists Curtin and Co, said that before the application was submitted a public exhibition took place and community newsletters were delivered to nearly 7,000 homes in the area.

Mr Shetcliffe said that about 100 residents attended each of the virtual public meetings held this month and in July.

He said: “At these events, residents were able to ask questions – of which many did and questions were either answered at the event itself or followed up and individuals were sent responses.

“We are still following up with written responses to the questions raised by residents from the December event.

“By holding virtual events, those who were unable to attend were able to view the same material at a convenient time as the event was recorded and the recording is available on the dedicated project website.”

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