THE council will put out a new public consultation once it has received updated information from a developer proposing to build on the site of a former gasworks.

The site, which is at a former gasworks in east Brighton near the A259, has been a controversial issue due to people’s concerns about developing on contaminated land, as well as the size of the buildings, some of which will be 12 storeys tall, possibly blocking sunlight for people living nearby.

The consultation has already received around 500 responses from people, historic and civic societies and campaign groups. Brighton and Hove City Council will now gather the responses to help it identify and flag with the developer any areas that need clarification to address people’s main concerns.

One of the main concerns is providing affordable housing to the city, something the council agrees with due to the city’s “housing crisis”.

The council has allowed St William homes, the developer, more time to “explore funding options” in regards to affordable housing provision on the site.

The development will be as many as 553 new homes and 2,700 square metres of commercial space, with nine apartment blocks ranging in height from three to 12 storeys tall.

For the application to be successful, the planning committee will expect proposals that provide well designed, quality spaces, while being mindful of neighbouring residents, the environment, and the council’s drive for a carbon neutral city by 2030.

The Argus: A recent protest on January 16 against the proposed developmentA recent protest on January 16 against the proposed development

A council spokeswoman said: “Hearing residents’ views early on in the process is important. I would like to thank everyone who has got involved in helping us to shape the future of one of the last, largest brownfield development sites in the city.”

Once people have been re-consulted, planning officers will make a recommendation to either approve or refuse the planning application. A final decision will be made by the council’s cross party planning committee later this year.

People gathered in protest at the gasworks site on January 16, with concerns about pollution if development work was to start. There are also concerns that the development will “blight” views of the sea from the South Downs National Park.

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