Plans for former Brighton gasworks site amended again

The two-hectare site, about the size of three football pitches, has lain empty for a long time and is currently being used for storage, parking and light industrial activity.

The land, which is next to the A259 coastal road and near Black Rock, Brighton Marina and East Brighton Park, is owned by National Grid and the developer, St William.

St William has amended the scheme by reducing the number of flats after reviewing feedback to their earlier proposals from council officers and comments from local residents and amenity groups.

The amended proposal is for a mixed-use scheme with 495 residential units and 2,791sqm of commercial space. A mix of building types are proposed ranging from three to 12 storeys, as before.

The Circus, a new area of public realm with a mix of commercial uses (Image: St William)

Communal and public spaces will be provided and the site will be accessed via Boundary Road and Marina Way.

Previous plans proposed 565 homes.

St William amended its initial planning application in 2022 also after reviewing feedback from council officers and comments from residents.

Objections to the first plans submitted in 2022 cited insufficient green space and tall buildings blocking sunlight.

One comment supporting the plans following the amendments in 2022 read: "The revised plans are in and the place fits well and looks great.

"Green space has been improved, buildings on Boundary Road are smaller to satisfy the Arundel Street residents, and the height of the buildings at the rear have been lowered to satisfy the handful of flats on Roedean Road.

"No doubt however, the NIMBY boomerati will say "it's not enough", as well as providing a range of completely new nonsense issues they have.”

A full public re-consultation has now begun and will run until February 18.

Brighton and Hove City Council said anyone can provide comments at the planning application stage. Planning officers will consider all comments in their assessment, along with expert advice from internal and external consultees and representations from neighbours and other local stakeholders.

All documents relating to the application can be viewed on the council’s planning register, by searching for application reference number BH2021/04167.

The council said a decision on the planning application will be made by the planning committee. The date for this has not been set but is not expected before spring 2024.