Plans to turn old Brighton children’s home into flats rejected

A plan to convert an old children’s home in Brighton into two blocks of flats has been rejected.

Baron Homes was refused permission to build 31 flats on the site, in Wellington Road, Brighton, next to Ainsworth House.

Brighton and Hove City Council planning officials said that the proposed scheme would lead to the loss of a community facility and open space.

The council’s Planning Committee turned down the scheme at a meeting at Hove Town Hall this afternoon (Wednesday 11 December).

Planning consultant Paul Burgess, of Lewis and Co, told councillors: “There are 11 other community facilities in the immediate locality.

“Permission has already been given to demolish the site.

“I don’t understand why it’s recommended for refusal on the basis of the loss of a community facility that hasn’t existed for a decade.

“Why are officers having to look at urban fringe sites when this site has been vacant for ten years and has been marketed for six years?”

It was last used as a day centre by the Children’s Society.

Councillor Lynda Hyde said: “This site already has planning permission for a scheme which would involve retaining this building. It’s a lovely villa. And it’s a very important feature in this area.”

She added: “It’s a non-designated heritage asset.”

Councillor Sue Shanks said: “They could still knock it down tomorrow.”

The council’s head of development control Jeanette Walsh said: “The building is unprotected at this time. It is a candidate for the local list.

“It’s also a scheme that doesn’t reprovide the community facilities and gives rise to other concerns.

“We remain open to discussions with the applicant.”

Councillor Bill Randall, who chairs the council’s Housing Committee and is keen to see new homes built, particularly “affordable” homes, set out his objections in writing.

He said: “I am opposed to the demolition of a building of some quality to make way for new flats.

“I believe the proposals are an overdevelopment of the site and will add further pressure to the limited car parking which is already oversubscribed.

“The original plan for the building and the site by Baron Homes was for supported housing which is in short supply in the city.

“I believe the site should be used for this purpose by the conversion and restoration of a building that has been allowed to deteriorate.”

Mr Burgess said: “It doesn’t lend itself to conversion very easily. It’s a much more efficient use of the site to demolish and reuse the site.”

Eight councillors voted against the scheme with three in favour.