Planning
Permission, applications, decisions, look outs
A scheme that offers grants to improve the energy efficiency of homes and help residents save money is to be extended to include families with children under 16.
It is estimated that the new Family Insulation Grant could benefit around 3,500 families. It will initially be available to private residents with young families living in homes with one or two bedrooms. Subject to funding, the council will also extend the scheme to a wider range of households in the future.
Councillor Maria Caulfield, Brighton & Hove’s cabinet member for housing, said: "Many families with young children are facing rising fuel bills, as well as mortgage or rent payments and have little disposable income.
"Brighton & Hove has been very successful in bidding for government funding which means we can now offer grants to families most in need, providing free insulation and helping them save money on energy.
Regency Square have 2 new benches installed to replace the ones damaged or just gone missing.
More details from their website
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content from Regency Square Residents Association
RESIDENTS have claimed their privacy is being invaded by a new restaurant which overlooks their homes.
It has been claimed that diners would be able to peer through the windows or into the gardens of around 100 people.
The residents in Palmeira Square, Hove, have now launched a campaign to try and change the building's design.
One of those affected, David Keighley, said: "Diners and drinkers at the bar have a lovely view - directly into our living rooms, our gardens and our bedrooms.
"We have complained to the environmental health department about this, but they seem curiously lethargic in their response.
"It seems that although our privacy and quality of life has been seriously and brutally compromised the burden of proof is on us to prove that we are inconvenienced."
The row centres around the new restaurant, called The Square, which has been built at 79 Western Road, which is due to open later this year.
The premises used to be a printing shop but has been totally gutted, refurbished and turned into the eatery.
Councillor Paul Elgood, who represents the Brunswick and Adelaide ward, said: "The concern is that, particularly in the summer months, the people at this restaurant will be looking over them in their gardens.
"We hope that the owner of the premises will work with the residents to help resolve this."
Residents also claim that new freezer and air conditioning equipment is causing noise nuisance to them.
Brighton and Hove City Council confirmed that formal planning permission has not yet been granted for the business.
It said officers have been in negotiation with the owner to try and minimise the impact of the building and that changes have been made recently.
A spokeswoman also said it would be prepared to take enforcement action if the restaurant was found to be in breach of planning rules.
She added: "If the use actually commences without the appropriate consents then we will give very serious consideration to enforcement proceedings in order to alleviate any harm caused."
The Argus was unable to contact the owner of The Square.
Are planning laws strict enough to protect residents' privacy?
We are currently observing an influx of planning applications within the area. One of special note within the Regency area is the application by 100 Western Road (Brighton) concerning the old Opticians on the corner of Montpelier road.
This application is for another off licence. There has already been an objection raised (rejected) on the basis that the application was not displayed for the required 28 days.
Objections on any legitimate grounds, eg cummulative impact, 20 feet from another 24 hour off licence, etc. ASAP to the licencing committee.
30 North Street - not only a change of use but an unauthorised internally illuminated sign has been installed.
We are also looking for an observant planning application checker to report on any they se
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