Endeavour towers given seal of approval

Brighton and Hove City Council's planning committee has passed the scheme for 75 flats on the Endeavour Garage site, off London Road, Brighton.

The design, by leading architect Piers Gough, for a six-storey building with a rounded front replaces the original 16-storey tower scheme, dubbed Endeavourest.

The initial project for the site near the listed railway viaduct sparked controversy when it was unveiled by developers Karis last year.

Residents were concerned about the height.

Mr Gough has now proposed a design of interlocking circular bays, with two six-storey towers. Each flat would have a balcony.

It has won favour with planning councillors, despite 13 objections from neighbours who still felt the flats would be too big and cause parking problems.

Local Labour councillor Kevin Allen said he was glad the 16-storey tower had been axed and felt that despite concerns, on balance the current application was acceptable.

Coun Allen added: "It is good the developers eventually recognised that it is better all round, not least for them, to work with, rather than against, the community."

Liberal Democrat councillor David Watkins agreed that common sense had prevailed.

But Tory councillor Carol Theobald still felt the design was top heavy.

Voting was 8-3 in favour.

Karis has designed the scheme to be as green as possible and there will be a car club for residents.

But councillors will ask for improvements to increase the sustainability rating from good to excellent.

Before permission is given, Karis will have to complete a legal agreement with the council, which includes an obligation to pay towards improvements to open spaces in the area.

There will also be investigations into Roman remains which are known to be under part of the site.

Moves to floodlight the building will come back to councillors later for consideration.

The scheme will be built next to a block of affordable housing now nearing completion on part of the site.