Cabinet members were urged to ensure old Royal Mail properties were not turned into luxury housing as plans for a new delivery depot were agreed. Brighton and Hove City Council’s cabinet was unanimous in backing the proposals at its meeting on Thursday. It is expected to generate about £3 million for council coffers.
Councillors came under fire from Save Patcham from Royal Mail campaigner Rebecca Mintrim, who called out “peppercorn rent” from the gallery as the proposals went through. Mrs Mintrim led a deputation on behalf of the community at the start of the meeting. She offered £1 a year from each person in Patcham for the term of the tenancy which would work out as more money than being asked from Royal Mail.
She said: “If the cabinet approves this bad deal, it should be a cautionary tale to our new Chancellor as it will be Brighton’s version of Gordon Brown’s sale of the gold reserves. “But if you go ahead, we ask you to ensure that Royal Mail’s current properties do not become luxury developments. “Developers should not be allowed to sidestep social housing obligations by paying penalty fees.
“We also remind the council of its duty to protect Patcham residents from increased pollution, flooding and safety risks if this project proceeds.” She suggested the site could be used as a solar farm, a tech hub, a tourist centre or low-density housing. The Labour deputy leader of the council Jacob Taylor, who is also the cabinet member for finance and city .