Brighton Society representative's report for 2006/7

Sandy Crowhurst

City-wide developments

By Sandy Crowhurst, NLCA Brighton Society representative

The Brighton Society continues to be watchful about developments in the city, particularly the expansion of the Marina site, the proposals for Black Rock, and the King Alfred site - the latter went to Committee on 23 March.

The i360 passed unanimously

The i360 was passed unanimously by the Council despite our concerns about the lack of a transport plan, and it is unclear whether the developers would be involved with what is left of the West Pier. Publicity photographs had been taken either from the sea or from miles away, or from places where it would never be possible to see it!

Birdcage Bandstand delay

Sadly, the Birdcage Bandstand and the surrounding gardens have still not been restored and there will be further delay as the Council's application to the Lottery Heritage Fund towards funding restoration has been turned down.

Regeneration of London Road and Lewes Road

The Council engaged consultants to discuss the regeneration of London Road/Lewes Road with the community. At the first meeting (of three) it was revealed that the consultants had no knowledge of the area, knew nothing about current applications, asked ridiculous questions and took half a dozen of us on a walk in the dark that included the station! It did get better slightly though. Their findings suggest, for example, moving Moulsecoomb Station and 'doing something about the Sainsburys/Vogue gyratory', and their final document is being tabled at the Council's next Policy & Resources Committee.

New Road

It is hoped that the 'new' New Road will be completed by the start of the Brighton Festival 2007.

Station Site flats approved

The application for the environmentally friendly block of flats on the Station Site has been approved even though it is two storeys higher than specified in the Planning Brief (but this also applies to other blocks), and the result of the Beetham Tower Public Inquiry is expected in April.

For more information about the Brighton Society, and/or if you wish to join, log on to: http://www.brighton-society.org.uk

[Previously published in the North Laine Runner, no 185, March/April 2007]