A planning proposal could see ten affordable residences constructed on a former public house location in Brighton if local councillors give their approval.

Brighton and Hove City Council has put forward plans for a terrace containing five houses alongside a block of five flats on the former Toby Inn premises situated at 104 Cowley Drive in Woodingdean.

The licensing premises ceased operations two decades prior and, according to the council’s submission, the existing structure holds no historical or design significance.

While alternative options exist to adapt the current building, the planning documentation characterised such an approach as suboptimal.

The proposed scheme instead calls for the construction of two separate buildings, standing two and three storeys respectively, to make more effective use of the land.

A committee report accompanying the application advocated for approval of the scheme, confirming that every dwelling proposed would qualify as affordable housing.

Eleven formal objections were submitted to the council.

Those opposed cited anticipated increases in vehicular movement, inadequate provision for vehicle storage, the removal of a neighbourhood facility, and concerns regarding the sufficiency of public engagement processes.

Dissenting voices contended that the three-storey apartment building would exceed appropriate height limits and fail to complement surrounding residential properties.

The proposal was labelled an excessive intensification of development, with anticipated consequences including diminished views, reduced natural light, and compromised privacy for adjacent households.

Additional concerns highlighted existing capacity constraints at the local medical practice and pointed to insufficient charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

One supporting submission argued that the former establishment presented an unsightly appearance and no longer served a viable purpose, suggesting that completion of the development would represent a substantial improvement to the locality.

The council appointed architectural practice BakerBrown for the scheme.

The practice is led by Duncan Baker-Brown, a Brighton University lecturer who designed the Waste House, a dwelling constructed entirely from reclaimed materials.

The application documentation stated that the proposed design aligned with the council’s strategic priority of expanding the availability of high-quality affordable residences throughout the city.

The location has been recognised as suitable for delivering new family homes for applicants registered with the council’s housing list.

The development proposals incorporate six parking areas within the curtilage, together with a further two spaces allocated on the public highway.

Eight bicycle storage points would also be provided.

The council maintains ownership of sixteen lock-up garages in the vicinity, available for rental.

Four of the proposed flats would be designated as car-free units.

The council’s planning committee is scheduled to determine the application at a meeting to be held at Hove Town Hall on Wednesday, September 2.

Proceedings are arranged to commence at 2pm and will be available via live webcast.