People living in the Hove Park area who were expecting money for improved facilities in their area have been left disappointed.
Westdene and Hove Park councillor Samer Bagaeen shared residents’ anger that section 106 money, developer’s money provided to improve facilities in the area around a major development, is going elsewhere.
In a written question to Brighton and Hove City Council, Councillor Bagaeen asked why the money from the Moda development on the former Sackville Trading Estate site in Hove, is going towards the Kingsway to the Sea project.
He also questioned why the proposal was not shared with the Moda Community Liaison Group.
The Moda Living’s £260 million project secured planning permission in March 2020 to build 800 homes available to rent.
Labour councillor Alan Robins, chair of the Culture, Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Economic Development Committees that set planning policy, said the funding is not allocated to specific wards next to the Moda development.
The money is going towards the Kingsway to the Sea project instead, which is the revamp of the Hove seafront park including improved sports facilities.
Councillor Robins said:
"The council has been working with the Moda Community Liaison Group on various aspects of the S106, including the implementation of the artistic contribution and the identification of a number of small, local schemes that various local groups have identified (eg basketball court refurbishment in Hove Park).
"Subject to further work on costs, it is anticipated that the majority of these projects will proceed funded through the S106 contribution."
Councillor Robins said £800,000 from the Moda development was part of £1.29 million in developer contributions approved for the Kingsway to the Sea project by the Strategy, Finance and City Regeneration Committee in October.
Man Charged After Throwing Brick Through Brighton Restaurant Window
Peacehaven Man Disqualified Over High-Speed A27 Pursuit Near Brighton
Appeal After PCSO Assaulted In Uckfield
Man Charged With Rape Of Teenage Girl In Newhaven
Overnight Closures For A22 Forest Row Road Improvements
Brighton Defence Manufacturer's Controversial Planning Application Likely To Be Heard
Over £2.4m Approved For Worthing School Support Centre
Section Of M25 To Close Again Tonight - As Drivers Warned Not To Get Complacent
Plans For 800 New Horsham Homes Refused
Over 200 Co-Living Flats Approved For Brighton