About the site
The 1.56 hectare former farm is next to the A27 bypass, close to where it meets the A23 and approximately 5 kilometres north of Brighton city centre. The site itself mainly comprises redundant agricultural buildings, although one building is still currently occupied and in use by a local business. The land is owned by Brighton & Hove City Council.
Due to the historical agricultural use of the site and its siting on top of an aquifer with the land sloping approximately 9 metres from the north to the south, the development of effective sustainable drainage, comprehensive landscaping strategies and plans to prevent contaminated water from entering the chalk beneath will be very important. The council has employed specialist environmental consultants to help assess and review these details in the planning application.
The developers
Royal Mail is a postal service and courier company providing mail collection and delivery services throughout the UK. However, it should be noted that if planning permission is granted, it runs with the land so the development could be brought forward by any company.
You can visit the Royal Mail Patcham pre-application website to view their draft visuals and frequently asked questions.