A major redevelopment project has received the green light from Brighton and Hove City Council, transforming a deteriorating commercial structure in Western Road.
Rachel Charitable Trust has secured planning consent to demolish and reconstruct properties at 41-44 Western Road, establishing two adaptable retail units at street level alongside fourteen residential dwellings.
The present four-storey structure, constructed incrementally throughout the 1800s, previously accommodated the Card Factory outlet and a Cancer Research UK charitable retail space.
The rear section of the premises addresses Clarence Square at numbers 32-36.
During the Planning Committee session held at Hove Town Hall on Wednesday, October 7th, Clarence Square inhabitant Nigel Massey raised concerns regarding waste dumping near shared refuse containers and advocated for barrier installation to address inappropriate conduct.
Mr Massey told committee members that individuals currently traverse behind the existing commercial waste receptacles to relieve themselves, describing the situation as deeply unpleasant.
The location represents a significant eyesore within Brighton’s central district, frequently traversed by both residents and visitors travelling between Churchill Square and the i360 attraction.
Michael Wood, representing the applicant through WSP planning consultancy, contended that the current edifice suffers from substantial structural deterioration and possesses minimal historical or architectural significance.
Addressing objections from local residents, Mr Wood explained that the proposed residential element would establish definitive private territory, enhancing safety measures and reducing instances of nuisance behaviour currently experienced at the site.
The proposal to extend boundary walls and fencing to the site’s perimeter was acceptable to the development team.
Labour representative Julie Cattell expressed strong support for the scheme, characterising the present condition as resembling a chaotic mess, describing both the street-facing and rear aspects.
She anticipated considerable aesthetic enhancement for Western Road.
Conservative member Carol Theobald cast the sole dissenting vote, citing multiple objections including the removal of conventional retail premises.
She noted that substantial financial contributions toward affordable housing provision appeared unlikely, while organisations including the Regency Society, the Civic Society, and the Conservation Advisory Group continued to harbour reservations.
The committee ultimately approved the scheme by eight votes to one.