New affordable homes and a community centre in Portslade approved

A planning application to create 28 affordable flats and a new community centre in Portslade was approved by councillors at Planning Committee on 5 June 2024.

The application is to demolish some residential garages to the rear of Dudney Court and the existing 556 sqm Portslade Village Centre in Courthope Close. These are to be replaced by 2 three-storey blocks containing the flats, a 397 sqm community centre and an outdoor play court, comprising a hard surface multi-use games area, and landscaping.

This is a council development through the New Homes For Neighbourhoods programme.

Consultation

26 letters of representation were received objecting to the proposed development on grounds including concerns about the increase in parking demand and traffic flow; the area not being able to accommodate so many new homes; and the loss / reduction of community facilities.

4 letters were received in support of the proposed development on grounds including that there is an acute housing shortage; the need for affordable housing; and the provision of good quality community facilities.

The decision to approve

Key considerations for councillors included the operation of the community centre; the impact of the development on open space and community facilities; impacts on the character and appearance of the local area; impacts on the neighbouring community; the mix and standard of accommodation provided and affordable housing provision.

In recommending that the committee grant the application council officers highlighted that the buildings were sensitively designed to respond to the landscape and reduce impact on neighbouring amenity, and the ecological benefit the scheme would achieve through an uplift in habitats and hedgerow, and sensitive landscaping with 33 new trees.

Following a debate the committee voted unanimously to grant planning permission, with a variation to the condition relating to the hours of operation of the community centre.

All documents relating to the application can be viewed through our online Planning Register by searching for application BH2023/03130. You can watch a recording of the Planning Committee webcast on our website.