Cllr. Tristram Burden

BH2025/00264 – Brighton College

Stance: Customer objects to the Planning Application

Comment Reasons:

- Adverse affect on listed building

- Adversely affects Conservation Area

- Because of the Additional Traffic

- Overdevelopment

- Traffic or Highways

Comment: Since becoming councillor for Queen's Park in May 2023, I'm increasingly contacted by residents complaining about the college creating excessive traffic issues and overdeveloping. This latest development has sparked strong opposition, with residents deeply concerned about the college's continued expansion and disregard for the negative impact. As Chair of the Hospital Liaison Group, I've also heard concerns about how college developments interfere with hospital plans and create more issues for people living locally. I share concerns about the impact on emergency vehicle access.

Brighton College has expanded significantly in a very small area over the last 15+ years. Twelve new sites have been added, from the Alexander Arts Centre in 2008 to the Richard Cairns Building in 2024. To protect the local area, the council recently drafted a Brighton College Conservation Area Statement. These current proposals contradict its aims.

Conversations with Brighton College staff have cited Labour's VAT increase as a reason to expand. However, with multiple international sites and an annual turnover of £50m+, there is insufficient justification for further expansion in Kemp Town. I support modernising the St. Mary's site, but not for 150 extra pupils. The college claims that without this, more local housing will be bought up. However, we must maintain a housing balance, and meet the needs of all residents-not just the college. The space is needed for mixed community uses that benefit the area more directly, and importantly, should be community-led, not dominated by the aims of one institution.

Across the city, we're closing schools and reducing pupil numbers because Brighton has become unaffordable for families. What we need is more accessible education for all, not further expansion of elite education for the few.

I recognise Brighton College as a valuable member of the community and an exceptional school. However, I don't believe it needs to grow larger to contribute more.