Plans to knock down two houses and replace them with a nine-storey block of flats have been rejected over fears the development would create “unacceptable” living conditions. Brighton and Hove City Council planning officers criticised the plans, which would have seen the semi-detached houses at 145 - 151 Kingsway, Hove, demolished to make way for 42 apartments . During the consultation 74 comments were received objecting to the proposed development.
Concerns included that the building would be taller than neighbouring properties and would overlook them and that the development was of a poor design and was not in keeping with the Pembroke and Princes Conservation Area. Read more: CGI of flats which could replace 1930s Hove homes facing demolition The Hove Civic Society and the Regency Society jointly objected, as did the Brighton Society and the Conservation Advisory Group. Ten letters were received in support of the development, including three from residents of one of the application properties.
Reasons given included that it would provide much-needed housing, rejuvenate the area, and would be an energy-efficient building. Applications for the demolition of the existing semi-detached houses have previously been refused six times between 2008 and 2010. Plans would have seen two houses demolished (Image: Chapman Lily Planning Ltd) Council officers criticised the “excessive size” of the building and judged it to be out-of-place in the “prominent and sensitive location.