“We have massive housing challenges”. Brighton & Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey sets out her vision for an “inclusive and accessible city that is open for all”

From left to right: Cllr Liz Loughran, Council Leader Bella Sankey and Planning Agents’ Forum Chair Nick Lomax

Brighton & Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey set out her vision for an “inclusive and accessible city that is open for all” when she spoke to Brighton & Hove’s Planning Agents’ Forum on Thursday, December 14.

The independent forum’s membership is drawn from architects, town planners and other planning professionals who regularly submit planning applications in the city.

Councillor Sankey, together with Councillor Liz Loughran, Chair of the Planning Committee, briefed the 27-strong audience on the housing challenge facing Brighton & Hove; their vision for the future look and feel of the city; planning for good transport links and net zero carbon emissions.

Councillor Bella Sankey said: “The housing crisis is acutely felt in the city. Poor accommodation has a profound impact on people’s health and well-being. We have massive housing challenges and the provision of more affordable homes is a priority.

“We want to grow the local economy, but without affordable accommodation businesses in the city cannot recruit the staff they need.

“We recognise the key role the council has in shaping Brighton & Hove as a place. We are investing in schemes like Kingsway to the Sea, the renovation of Madeira Terrace and the King Alfred Leisure Centre project. We are a listening council and we know we cannot achieve our goals on our own.”

She challenged the audience to “Share your thoughts on how we can meet the challenges together.”

Councillor Liz Loughran added: “We need to take a harsh look at the places in the city that are not working for residents and businesses. We need to be sensitive to the heritage of the city, but we’re open to fresh ideas.”

Councillor Loughran also drew attention to planning reforms coming as a result of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 and upcoming council consultations on the Statement of Community Involvement and a new City Plan Part 1 in the first half of 2024, saying: “Together these will herald significant change to current planning practice.”

Head of Planning Nicola Hurley gave an update on the council’s planning service performance. According to Brighton & Hove City Council, the service is “performing substantially above government targets set for the speed of dealing with planning applications. The average time taken to deal with applications is currently just over 12 weeks, two weeks faster than in 2017/18.”

A question and answer session at the end of the event covered issues from minimum space standards in new build properties to improving the look and feel of some of the roads close to the seafront.

In closing the meeting and thanking the speakers, Forum Chair Nick Lomax said: “We hope this is the start of a fruitful collaboration. When budgets are so tight it is important that private practice and the public sector work together.”