A combat sports training centre is seeking permission to begin operations earlier in the day, with local residents divided on the proposal.
Kickboxfit (KBF) Martial Arts Academy, situated on Hallyburton Road in Hove, presently holds consent to operate between 8am and 9pm on weekdays and from 9am until 3pm on Saturdays.
The academy is requesting to operate from 7am until 9pm Monday through Friday, which would add one additional morning hour, and from 8am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
The premises, located at the junction with Dorothy Road, previously operated as a lawnmower and garden equipment sales and repair business that commenced trading at 9am until 2023, when the academy assumed the site and received authorisation to open from 8am.
A document prepared for Brighton and Hove City Council’s planning panel advises approval at a session scheduled for the following Wednesday (May 6).
KBF co-proprietor Mark Howell, aged 45, explained that training demand has increased and competitors at national standard using the facility required additional practice sessions.
He noted that the extended hours would enable classes to be distributed more evenly across the day.
Sixteen individuals have submitted objections, citing worries about vehicle movement, disturbance and available parking.
One unnamed critic, whose personal information was removed by the council, stated that Dorothy Road maintains its tranquility as a residential area when the establishment is shut.
They added that when the facility is operational, the street’s nature transforms noticeably, with heightened noise, traffic and general activity.
They expressed that the proposed weekend operating hours would amplify these current effects and damage the residential quality of the neighbourhood.
A second unnamed opponent, whose details were similarly obscured by the council, commented that parking associated with KBF already creates considerable difficulties.
They noted that users frequently leave vehicles on double yellow lines, white markings close to intersections and in manners that block sightlines for pedestrians and motorists.
This frequently generates congestion and safety hazards. Dorothy Road is a dead-end accessible solely through Hallyburton Road. This intersection is frequently obstructed due to parking and vehicles linked to KBF.
Mr Howell stated in his submission that the enterprise had implemented strategies to reduce inconvenience, including urging members to park thoughtfully, coordinating session times to prevent bottlenecks and discouraging arrival ahead of schedule.
He said they continue to monitor this closely and remain committed to responding constructively to any future concerns. He noted there have been no ongoing or unresolved issues.
An unnamed advocate, whose information was also redacted by the council, commented that lengthening the operating hours would prove highly advantageous for households like theirs.
They noted it would offer greater flexibility around educational and employment commitments, enabling additional young people to engage in these worthwhile activities.
The club serves as a valuable resource for the local community and contributes significantly to keeping young individuals physically active, attentive and productively occupied.
The planning panel is set to convene at Hove Town Hall at 2pm the following Wednesday (May 6). The proceedings are intended to be broadcast online.