About the Rotherfield Crescent project
This former garage site was originally part of a Brighton and Hove City Council and Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) design competition, to unlock small, challenging sites across the city.
The new homes designed by architects Innes Associates are sensitively located to provide 3 high quality, affordable, family- sized homes with:
- car parking
- electric vehicle charging
- communal landscaping
- gardens
- private gardens
- secure cycle storage
The new homes are designed to be highly energy and water efficient, reducing carbon emissions and helping tenants save on fuel bills. Sustainability measures include:
- installing air source heat pumps with underfloor heating
- upgraded insulation
- electric vehicle charging points
- planting to promote sustainable drainage and increase biodiversity
Work on site
Agile Property and Homes started on site in December 2024 and have completed the enabling works - the demolition of the old council garages, asbestos removal and site preparation, including additional supporting structures to the party wall with neighbours in Buxted Rise.
Since then, Agile notified the council they are in financial difficulty and unable to progress the works as planned. The project has had to pause because of this.
The site is still considered a building site and the Heras panel fencing securing the site remains in place.
Design and approval
Innes Associates designed the winning scheme chosen by Brighton and Hove City Council and Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
Housing Committee originally approved the proposal for 4 new homes on the site. However, following consultation with residents some key changes were made to address concerns about the impact on neighbouring properties.
The final plan for 3 three-bedroom houses was approved at Planning Committee in December 2021.
Project timescales
Agile Property and Homes completed the first phase of work in February 2025. Since then, they have been unable to progress the works as planned and the project has had to pause because of this.
Currently the council is following the legal and procurement process it must follow in the circumstances and looking at all the options. The goal is still to build of the new homes if possible.
A project update will be posted as soon possible.
Keeping residents informed
Residents helped shape the final design proposals with feedback resulting in design changes including:
- the reduction in the number of new homes provided from 4 to 3
- removing roof terraces
- retaining vehicle access to 4 private garages
In preparation for the start of construction work on site, residents were invited to a ‘meet the contractor’ event in June this year.
Now the scheme is paused, we appreciate neighbouring residents’ patience and will write to residents with a final decision and an outline timescale for the next steps as soon as possible.
