Hello Readers,
As mentioned in my previous post, today I will be discussing some of the controversial environmental issues that have arisen since the project began the preconstruction phase continuing now. When the project was initially purposed there were many individuals who filed complaints with the authorities to attempt to abandon the project.
‘Hundreds of people objected to the scheme for two seven-storey and four six-storey buildings, writing letters and signing a petition.’ https://www.brightonandhovenews.org/
Since the ecological survey took place, which locals claimed to be ‘inadequate’ there has been an increasing number of civilians who claim the area to be a wildlife site as a result of the findings of more than 5 badger dens. While walking the boundary of the site I was able to locate one of the said dens. As we are now aware, all motions were denied when Phillip Werner, an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government carried out a site visit in April 2016. The official claim made my the protesters was that the site breached section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 however this claim was dismissed.
As well as the individuals who attempted to postpone the project through communication with the courts and legal authorities, there are also those who have decided to take more progressive methods. A passionate group of protesters have built a camp on the boarder of the site in an attempt to gain squatters rights to the land and raise awareness for the wildlife problems. I have visited the site on numerous occasions and not once seen the camp being utilized so I can only assume that the camp has been abandoned as a result of the site now being so far into construction.
As always I hope you enjoyed this weeks post hope that the information was useful. Next week I will be back in Brighton so I will be able to carry out potentially the final progress review for this blog and hopefully we will observe some real developments.
-Luke
Link for the appeal dismissal :
https://democracy.brighton-hove.gov.uk/documents/s95204/C%2031%20COLDEAN%20LANE%20BRIGHTON%20HOLLINGDEAN%20STANMER.pdf
