Controversial plan for homes on gasworks approved

Some 1,700 objections have been raised to the scheme

Controversial plans to build hundreds of homes on Brighton's former gasworks have been approved on appeal.

The final plans confirm nine new buildings, varying between three and 12 storeys high, will be built on land at the junction of Marina Way and Roedean Road.

The £280m project by developer St William will create 495 homes, though it does not include any affordable housing.

Some 1,700 objections to the scheme have been raised to Brighton and Hove City Council.

'Unsightly, underused'

Steve Reed, secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, gave the green light to the plans, which were initially rejected in 2024.

Concerns were raised that the development would be "too tall and too dense".

Critics said the scheme would be out of keeping with the surrounding area.

Labour councillor Gill Williams, who represents Whitehawk and Marina ward, previously said it would turn Kemptown "into Gotham City".

Other worries have been raised that the properties could be used as short-term holiday lets without any benefit to local people.

Nearly 200 jobs will be created though the development, planning documents say

In his decision, Mr Reed said the scheme's benefits include the regeneration of an "unsightly, underused and contaminated brownfield site".

He added that east Brighton already contained tall buildings, adding that views of the South Downs National Park and sea would remain "intact".

The development would not result in "unacceptable living conditions" for those living on neighbouring streets, he said.

Commercial floorspace providing up to 195 new jobs, public areas, new walking routes and a biodiversity net gain are also included in the project, according to planning documents.

St William, part of the Berkeley Group, has spent more than four years working on the proposals.