Land used for growing vegetables will create hundreds of jobs instead if councillors agree to sell it.

Councillors are being recommended to sell about a third of the ten-acre Eastbrook Farm allotments, in Old Shoreham Road, to create business units.

Brighton and Hove City Council owns the site, which is just over the border in Adur District. It has surplus allotment space because overhead power cables deter gardeners. Of 153 allotments, only 63 are let.

Property councillor Simon Burgess said: "We're aware of a need for space for local companies to move into once they outgrow their first premises. With this scheme, we can both improve conditions for existing allotment holders and provide somewhere for local companies to blossom."

Talks between the council and the city's allotments' federation confirmed there was potential to release part of the site for development.

The remaining allotments would be improved.

Cables mean the site has potential for business development but not housing.

Allotment holders have been asked about the idea and most are in favour provided the remaining land is improved with measures including a new security fence.

Any gardener who has to move will be offered a new enhanced plot.

Potential business uses include light industrial, storage or distribution.

The site could provide 100,000 sq ft of space creating up to 250 jobs.

If Brighton and Hove councillors agree on July 21, officers will prepare a development brief for the site.

Any scheme will require planning consent from Adur District and Government permission to release allotment land. No work is likely before June 2006.

Tuesday July 13, 2004