PortZed development in Portslade is refused permission

A controversial development in South Portslade was refused planning permission at a council planning meeting yesterday (22nd February).

The PortZed development by Hove-based Boho Green has been described as a ‘groundbreaking zero carbon project’, but the proposal has also been strongly campaigned against by local residents in the Kingsway area.

Residents opposite the proposed site on Basin Road North had campaigned against the development and argued they would suffer a loss of sunlight and coastal views as a result of the £1.3m project.

The PortZED development was to consist of at least 60 units contained within five-storey blocks and feature the use of helical wind turbines.

Council officers had recommended that the plan, which had previously be discussed favourably by a number of councillors, should be rejected and those on the planning committee unanimously agreed.

Before the meeting Green Party leader Caroline Lucas spoke of her disappointment at the planning officers’ findings.

She said: “The PortZED scheme is a groundbreaking zero carbon project with great potential to create local jobs, provide much needed affordable housing and help the area become a hub for green business. So it’s disappointing that planning officers have so far recommended refusal of the plans – especially since the developer has agreed to amend its proposals in response to local concerns.”

After the decision a statement was released by the campaign group KAWHRA, which said: “For those of you who don’t already know, planning committee councillors voted unanimously at the town hall today to refuse the PortZED planning application.

“Thank you so much to everyone who came along to the meeting to support us and clapped at appropriate moments – even though the Chair disapproved! It really helped to create an atmosphere which helped councillors to refuse the application in what may have been for some of them a difficult situation.”

Find out more about the history of the PortZed development.

Residents group warn development would loom over homes (image from KAWHRA)

Related Posts:

• Council leaders in favour of PortZED proposal
• Kingsway residents campaign against PortZED development
• Caroline Lucas steps down as Green Party leader
• Church Street site finally set for development
• Brighton MP concerned at UK aid money corruption threat

Posted by Joseph Lewis on February 23, 2012. Filed under Latest News,Portslade. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry