Brighton: Opposition to weapon factory extension application

The presence of L3 Harris in Brighton has caused controversy

MPs, councillors and hundreds of people have opposed a defence manufacturer's plans to keep a temporary extension at its factory in East Sussex.

The application by L3 Harris, due before Brighton and Hove City Council's planning committee on 6 March, has been put back to 3 April as planning officers seek legal guidance.

Permission for the site in Home Farm Road was for five years from 2018.

The aerospace and defence company said losing it could cost jobs.

More than 600 objections were submitted by the public, along with a petition with 130 signatures, reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Labour councillors Mohammed Asaduzzaman and Theresa Fowler have opposed the application due to the expired planning permission and comments from residents in Hollingdean and Fiveways ward.

The company is seeking to turn temporary planning permission for its shed into permanent permission

Green councillors Raphael Hill, Ellen McLeay and Kerry Pickett also opposed the application, as did Brighton Pavilion Green MP Caroline Lucas.

There are two letters supporting the application.

The application by L3 said: "It is likely a further application for a new extension would follow a refusal of the retention of the existing extension, as this is now an integral part of the operations at current staffing levels.

"The loss of the extension could harm the financial stability of the current operations and impact on staffing levels and employment in the city."

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