More Than 12,000 Support Call To 'Save Rockwater's Shacks And Igloo Village' In Hove

Friday, 20 November 2020 11:33

By Charlotte Baker @Ch4rtweets

A petition to 'save' a collection of shacks and 'igloos' on Hove's seafront has almost reached its goal of 15,000 signatures.

The campaign, created by Maeve Davis, claims the seafront business is 'under threat from a very small group of around 10 local residents'.

It's not clear what the objections are to the shacks but the petition itself is addressed to Brighton and Hove City Council's Licensing and City Parks departments.

Specifically, the organiser is asking for the authority to grant a permanent licence to Rockwater's Shacks to serve alcohol to customers until 10pm daily; and extend permission for the Rockwater Igloo Village to remain in place and operating until March 31 (2021).

The petition claims that the shacks are not a viable proposition without the ability to serve alcohol.

On Friday (20) afternoon, more than 12,000 people had so far signed the petition which has a goal of 15,000.

Further enquiries are underway to determine the specific 'threat' which the business is under, with the organiser claiming:

"Rockwater’s Shacks and Igloo Village are under threat from a very small group of around 10 local residents who are trying to shut them both down for spiteful and disingenuous reasons.

"We don’t believe this small group, led by someone who tried to take over the View/Venue before Rockwater’s founder, should be allowed to destroy this community hub."

The organiser added further down on the page that the alleged objections are motivated by a personal vendetta, without any genuine basis for doing so.

Comments on the petition call the development "one of the most positive things to happen in the area in years", and "exactly what we need in Brighton and Hove right now!".

While many of the comments appear positive, some issues were raised in regards to recent planning proposals.

A retractable roof which increases the height and appearance of the building is one aspect of recent plans which have garnered some negative attention online.

More Radio also understands that it's believed a previous prospective buyer is allegedly behind some of the obstacles facing the business.

The petition can be found here.