Cllr. Mary Mears

BH2021/04167 – Brighton Gasworks

3^rd January 2022:

As a ward councillor for Rottingdean Coastal I wish to object to the above planning application for the following reasons.

Yes I agree we would all welcome the redevelopment of the Gasworks, unfortunately this application fails to address this in many ways, the site which has been left undeveloped for many years, is a prime site set between Marine Gate and overlooking the Marina,- Who has just lost an appeal with the planning inspector endorsed by the Secretary of State being critical of the relationship of the Marina proposed development to the Heritage Assets in

the immediate vicinity. Comments that need to be heeded and in my view set a precedent on any planning application in the surrounding area including the Gasworks site.

The proposed Gasworks development including eleven densely packed tall buildings over seven stories is totally out of keeping and detrimental to the neighbouring Grade 1 listed buildings of the Kemp Town Estate. The proposed design with its sheer size, height, scale and density and massing will have a massive detrimental impact on the wider environment surrounding the gasworks site.

The proposed development of 553 residential units ( but with no mention of social housing) and 2697 sqm of commercial space, will have a massive negative effect on the infrastructure in the surrounding area, not lest on doctors, dental practices and schools, parking will also be a problem with limited parking in the area, and will add pressure to Public Transport.

We already see the impact of traffic on the A259 and Eastern Road now .

I also note with concern that the Gasworks site is not identified as a special site under Contaminated Land Regulations 2006, so decontamination works are excluded from this planning application which I know also concern many residents

As this application will go to the planning committee, As a ward councillor I wish to reserve my right to speak at the committee meeting.