Backing Given For Coachwerks Demolition By Brighton And Hove City Council

Officials have given their backing to plans to demolish workshops and build homes and offices.

Next week councillors will be asked to give their verdict on the plans at the Coachwerks site in Hollingdean Terrace.

The planning application is due to before a “virtual” meeting of Brighton and Hove City Council’s Planning Committee on Wednesday (5 August).

The council has received 81 objections to the plans and two letters of support.

Objectors back Coachwerks being used as a home to several small businesses including a vegan grocers, artists’ studios and a music studio.

Planning and design company Whaleback said, on behalf of owner Patricia Camping, that the employment space would be a potential area for existing tenants.

One objector, whose details were redacted on the council’s website, said:

“Please listen to local residents and don’t keep trying to cram new buildings into tiny spaces on streets where parking is already a nightmare.

“This is such a valuable community space. The zero-waste shop, run by local volunteers, lets families and older people buy as small an amount of food as they like, also organic fresh veg.

“This kind of business is flourishing all over Brighton. We are lucky to have it on our doorstep that we can walk to rather than drive even up to Fiveways.”

Another objector wrote:

“People need a place to gather, to create, to celebrate. Also, to be able to access food without the use of motorised vehicles.

“The volunteer-run wholefood market is a huge asset to Brighton. Grassroots organisations should be congratulated and supported for their brilliant and much-needed efforts not seen off for yet another development.

“Brighton prides itself on diversity and cultural experience, but by forcing the closure yet another of our cities gems at the heart of one of its residential communities we are draining away the very inspirational characteristics, Brighton is most loved and regarded for.”

A comment from a person supporting the application said:

“The city should be encouraging this sort of mixed-use development so that commercial spaces are retained, and homes are added.

“Increased density isn’t only good for the city but good for the environment, public transport justification and our housing needs.”

Another person in favour of the development said:

“The current place is not very community-oriented.

“I tried to support but felt it was set up for a small group of people. Not welcoming to others. Looking forward to having something that is community-oriented.”

Hollingdean and Stanmer ward councillors Theresa Fowler and Martin Osborne objected to the plans.

Councillor Osborne said:

“The site is of immense social value to the community and would be a huge loss for the community.

“I think there is some acceptance that improvements to the site can be made, but this is overdevelopment and goes far beyond what may be acceptable.”

He pointed out the “significant” response from the local community that wants Coachwerks to stay.

Councillor Fowler said:

“Coachwerks is a great space for the community.

“The wholefoods shop also serves the community and would be a great loss.”

The virtual Planning Committee meeting is due to start at 2pm on Wednesday 5 August.

It is due to be live-streamed on the council website at brighton-hove.gov.uk.

By Sarah Booker-Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter.