The redevelopment of the Preston Barracks site started in July 2014 when the council exchanged contracts with the University of Brighton and developers U+I (formerly Cathedral Group (Holdings) Ltd & Development Securities PLC)
This £150 million scheme on the Lewes Road is part of a wider regeneration project aimed at transforming this part of Brighton.
The proposals will deliver new employment space, new university academic buildings, student accommodation with 1,300 bedrooms, 350 new homes and 25,000 square feet of retail space. The proposals include the former Preston Barracks site, and part of the University of Brighton’s Moulsecoomb campus.
For more information, see the Preston Barracks pages on the council website and the developers website HERE
Coombe Road Area LAT Opinion
These comments have been made on behalf of residents in Coombe Road Area on the planning application for Preston Barracks development:
Coombe Road Area Local Action Team has consulted with residents throughout the area with regards to the proposed development. Residents understand the need to develop the area and welcome a mixed-use development which will increase the productivity and opportunities for community cohesion. However, with regards to the detail of the proposal, residents object to the proposed height of the development and have made comments on parking, studentification and green spaces:
1. Height of the five blocks proposed for the Mithras House car park: Residents feel that the proposed five blocks should be limited to eight storeys which will be of similar height to the Mithras building. In the City Plan Policy DA3, it is proposed that developments should provide a further 800 student beds, with the current Maclaren developments at Vogue Gyratory, developments on Hollingdean Terrace and the potential developments on The Lectern site totalling approximately 530 beds. This leaves 170 beds for the whole Preston Barracks development. Residents believe therefore, that it is not necessary for this development to squeeze in a further 800 beds on the Mithras Car Park site alone.
2. Impact on parking in the area: Residents are concerned that although U+I propose to make all tenancies car-free, student residents will bring cars and park them for free in the surrounding area, further compounding the challenges of parking in this densely populated area. We would like to see a Car parking Zone consultation undertaken to ascertain from residents whether they would like to see parking permits introduced from Bear Road to The Avenue.
3. The impact of further studentification in an already disproportionately young and transient population: The proposed five storeys of student accommodation in the Mithras Car park will further support the idea of Coombe Road Area as a ‘student area’ which results in transient households negatively impacting the area through disrespectful behaviour, litter, noise and a lack on care for the local environment. Residents are concerned that the development will not reduce the number of HMOs – the developers have not provided evidence to show how developments of this nature have reduced the issues surrounding HMOs in other areas.
4. Limited green space in the proposed development: residents were pleased to see the green spaces proposed in the plans and would like to see these encouraged and promoted. However, in a heavily polluted corridor, green spaces and trees are essential for ensuring the health of the population. Residents would like to see money from Section 106 invested in Saunders Park to ensure the local green space can serve the increasing population. residents would like to see it spent on tree planting where appropriate, the development of the cafe and improved facilities – the toilets and equipment.
Coombe Road Area Local Action Team 