Sussex University's Development Plans Finally Given the Green Light by the Council

Brighton and Hove City Council have withdrawn their objections and concerns towards Sussex University's 4,000 home development project.

Last year, the council disapproved of the university's plans due to worries that increasing student numbers on campus meant a significant increase in demand for student housing off campus. Hence, the council's Planning Committee rejected the development plans as they expressed real concern for Brighton's overall housing market.

Caroline Lynch, representing the Coombe Road Local Action Team (LAT), has made it clear to Sussex University that new houses must be developed before they open up more applications to prospective students. She argues that it would be an irresponsible move on the part of the university and states that the Brighton housing market would not be able to handle the influx of students. She states: "If it does it that way round, we will only lose more family homes."

James Strachan, the university's barrister, has stated that if their plans were refused, students would have to look for accommodation off campus anyway and therefore would in fact worsen the situation.

Ken Barton, who is the planning inspector, is still to decide whether to accept the university's appeal, despite the council withdrawing their objections. It has not been announced when the decision will be made by.

Image courtesy of Flickr, Creative Commons.