Plans to build accommodation for 555 students in a new hall of residence on a former car park adjacent to Brighton and Hove Albion’s Amex Stadium were initially rejected. But planners have reversed the decision saying that the proposal is in keeping with the local area.
Lewes District Council objected to the development’s height and design. But now the decision has been overturned by planning inspectors who have decided that the proposed design is sympathetic to the design of the stadium. The inspectors say the new students’ residence “curvilinear” design positively responds to the Amex Stadium.
Lewes District Council previously claimed the development would have an impact on both the character of the immediate area and also the South Downs National Park (SDNP).
In the decision, the inspector said: “I have found the development would not harm the character and appearance of the area, the setting of the SDNP, nor conflict with the dark skies policy of the SDNP, and would preserve the setting of all the designated heritage assets in the vicinity.
“There is also support through the [National Planning Policy] framework for the re-use of underutilised land, especially where this would meet a need for housing where land supply is constrained, which includes building on car parks.
“Therefore, I conclude there are no material considerations of such weight as to indicate that a decision be taken other than in accordance with the development plan.
