Plans for one thousand new flats at Brighton Marina, including a 28-storey tower block, have been refused planning permission in a surprise move by the Government.
The development – dubbed a “pound-shop Dubai” by one local councillor – was rejected by Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, on the advice of planning inspectors after being opposed by Brighton & Hove Council.
The decision, published on November 11th, blocked the scheme for a number of key reasons;
- That it was poorly designed, lacking the “exuberance and ambition” of the city’s best seaside buildings
- That it would have significant adverse impact on nearby heritage assets, including the Kemp Town Estate
- That it would have a harmful impact on views from the nearby South Downs National Park
- That it would have a lack of outdoor open space and a lack of natural daylight and sunlight for residents of the proposed homes
However the decision does not yet mean an end to the tower block threat to the Marina and to Kemp Town.
The developers have a right to request an appeal, and also hold planning permission from 2006 for an earlier version of the scheme which includes a 40-storey tower although far fewer new homes overall.
The full planning report can be read or downloaded here: