Residents write to MP over development proposed near Hove Lagoon

Jaqueline Clark, 62, wrote to her MP Peter Kyle regarding the “shocking and unacceptable” proposal to develop the land between Basin Road North and Kingsway in Hove. 

The application, submitted by Synergy Developments, is for a part three and part four-storey building, plus three towers of residential accommodation, known as Aldrington Wharf. 

The central tower would be 18 to 20 storeys, with the eastern and western towers nine to ten storeys.

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An artist's impression of the development. Credit: Planning application for Aldrington Wharf development/ BHCC (Image: Planning application for Aldrington Wharf development/ BHCC)

It will comprise 1,144sqm of commercial floor space, 135 residential units, parking and a public amenity area. 

In her letter, written on behalf of Jaqueline and her partner, she states that the pair moved from London 18 months ago “in search of a better quality of life and community”.

Jaqueline said: “We are writing to you to share with you our serious concerns as residents within your constituency about a planning application which, if approved, would destroy our local community in West Hove, by changing its friendly and residential nature, with tall tower blocks along our seafront area, more in keeping with big cities, which would also materially affect our quality of lives by blocking sunlight and overshadowing our homes.”

Jaqueline and Carolyne (Image: Jaqueline Clark)

She also attached a detailed report by Kingsway and West Hove Residents Association which outlines several reasons for the objection. 

These include parking, sunlight, townscape, access and commercial uses.

Jaqueline continued: "We moved to Hove from London some 18 months ago, in search of a better quality of life and community. 

“We were aware at the time that there were some proposals to redevelop the area, but proposals involving a significantly lower height of building, namely six stories, not 20, as is now being proposed.”

Streetscape - Tall Buildings Statement/ Planning application for Aldrington Wharf development/ BHCC (Image: Tall Buildings Statement/ Planning application for Aldrington Wharf development/ BHCC)

The couple said that they recently attended a meeting with a representative from Synergy Developments in which various claims were disputed by residents.

Jaqueline also added that she had not received any information regarding the development after the application was lodged. 

She said: "The developer was unable to set out any case for community benefit in these proposals; frankly he was dismissive of any concerns raised by local residents in relation to noise pollution, shading of sunshine and daylight, impact on community infrastructure, including traffic and parking. 

“The additional pressure on the local NHS and schools was not acknowledged as an issue."

Photo: Proposed Kingsway Elevation for Aldrington Wharf development/ BHCC (Image: Brighton and Hove City Council)

“We are looking to you as our Member of Parliament to support us and our local community in opposing this ill conceived planning application, motivated by financial greed, without any proper consideration of local context or community best interests,” she concluded.

Mr Kyle said: “I have always been keen to develop this spot and have more housing and leisure facilities there. 

“It would benefit from better roads and pavement and active travel plans too. 

“However, what this location needs is affordable housing for local families and design that matches a port and Lagoon location. 

“Unfortunately this current design and plan does not fulfill these needs and is far too overdeveloped for the space."

Synergy Developments has been contacted for comment.