Planners back scheme for 88 homes and upgraded offices in Brighton

A scheme to build 88 homes and upgrade outdated offices in Brighton was approved by councillors this afternoon (Wednesday 8 January).

Brighton and Hove City Council Planning Committee approved outline planning permission for the scheme at Enterprise Point – an old industrial building – in Melbourne Street, near Lewes Road.

The scheme also provides community space which will be used by children at the neighbouring St Martin’s CE Primary School.

The council said that permission had been granted to “partly demolish an old industrial building in Melbourne Street and replace it with a new five-storey residential block, substitute the south wing of Enterprise Point with a new four-storey residential block and refurbish the rest of Enterprise Point with flats, offices and a community space.

“The plans also provide for allotments for residents.

“Enterprise Point is a 1950s-style industrial building and is badly in need of modernisation.

“It is 60 per cent occupied and units on the top floor have been empty for over 10 years.

“Brighton and Hove has a lack of modern office space in the city. Most of it – 77 per cent – was built before 1970, compared with 57 per cent in the south east region.”

Planning Committee chairman Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty said: “The regeneration of Enterprise Point is important for new jobs and homes.

“It is a welcome investment for out-of-date buildings and will help regenerate the area around Lewes Road.”

The developer, Cross Stone Properties, will pay the council more than £500,000 under a “section 106 agreement” to mitigate the effects of the development.