Major developments still deferred

Amex planning application, July 2009

AGM report on Brighton Society, 2009/10

By Sandy Crowhurst, NLCA representative on Brighton Society

The Brighton Society, on which I represent the NLCA, continues to be watchful about developments in the city.

Major proposals

Due to the continuous downturn of the economic climate, quite a few major proposals such as the Marina, Black Rock, Lewes Road Barracks and the Brighton Centre are still deferred. The proposal to demolish the old Royal Alex hospital and rebuild as flats, that was rejected by the Council, has been dismissed by the Inspector and a new planning brief will go to Council Committee at the end of March 2010. 

Other applications

The Amex office block on Edward Street has permission to build a new block behind the present one, and once built the old building will be demolished. There is yet another new application for Medina House - again high at 10 storeys. The application to build glass apartments on the roof of the Old Market has been refused.

History Centre saved

It was good news to hear that the History Centre will not close and will be retained at the Museum for the time being.

The bigger picture

Since 1973 the Brighton Society has campaigned for:

• better architectural design
• integrating the old and the new
• people friendly public spaces in new developments
• protecting local neighbourhoods
• maintaining public gardens, flint walls, and seafront ironwork etc.

It can count amongst its many recent successes getting the Connaught Road School listed (2009) and joining the NLCA and the Council to object at the public inquiry to the 42-storey Beetham tower on the Station site (2007). 

The Society’s committee includes representatives from many of the City’s local amenity societies, so it plays a valuable co-ordinating role.

For more information about the Brighton Society, and/or if you wish to join, log on to http://www.brighton-society.org.uk/.  Increased membership will add to the Society’s influence.

[Previously published in the North Laine Runner, No 203, March/April 2010]