Residents oppose building of new council homes in Brighton

Brighton and Hove City Council is currently consulting on plans to build 25 to 30 affordable homes to rent on land off Mile Oak Road in Portslade.

However, residents, who call themselves “guardians of the beautiful area”, said it cannot sustain any more households as the “infrastructure is bursting at the seams”.

Howie Blanks, 64, fears the development will affect parking, flooding and the environment.

He said: “They are trying to cram lots of housing in. Around that area already, there is nowhere to park.

Residents fear current parking issues will be exacerbated (Image: Howie Blanks) “Even the planners parked on the pavement when they came for a consultation meeting.

“What we are saying is the amount of houses are not fit for purpose. My biggest grudge is that when you take your grandchildren out or a buggy or the dogs, you cannot get past the cars parked on the pavement.

“They are going to create a monster for years and years to come.”

READ MORE: Neighbours slam plans for homes on field as 'encroachment' on area of natural beauty

Concerns have also been raised over the impact on the environment due to the reported presence of bats, hedgehogs, slow worms and badgers at the proposed site.

There are also fears for the future of two horses who will have to be relocated if the plans go ahead.

Two horses will have to be relocated if plans are approved (Image: Howie Blanks) Mandy Potter, 52, who owns the horses, Peter, 26, and Bobby, 19, said: "I am really upset. I have been there for 20 years. It's my go to place, it's my wellbeing. 

"It is land where you go to and you have got that time away from everyday life. 

"It's a nice peaceful place for families, friends. The community all know the horses.

"It would be devastating for us and the horses." 

Howie added: “From a wildlife point of view it is pretty bad.”

The group has also warned of the dangers of increased traffic, particularly at the junction with The Rise, highlighting a recent crash in which a car ploughed into parked vehicles.

Members said the area suffers frequent flooding and there are fears this will be exacerbated by another housing development.

The consultation period closes on Monday and a planning application is due to be submitted in November.

Brighton and Hove City Council was asked for comment.