Thumbs down to Brighton marina plans
21 March 2008
Proposals to rebuild parts of Brighton Marina got the thumbs-down from Green councillors when it was discussed at the city council's Environment Committee on Thursday 20 March.
The Greens’ city council environment spokesperson, Georgia Wrighton warned the committee that, if given the go-ahead, the PAN - a masterplan to guide the future evolution of the site, and its attention to walking, cycling and public transport - would give the 'green light' to massive development on the site, damaging its special setting.
Labour and Tory councillors on the committee voted through the plans over objections from Green councillors.
Councillor Wrighton (pictured left) said: “While we welcome some aspects of the PAN, in the longer term the development could prove more damaging than beneficial.
“This is a missed opportunity for an imaginative and sensitive approach to development.
"The PAN could have shown the way for development which respects the character and setting of the Marina site.
“The PAN might be a developer’s dream, but that’s as far as it goes. It will do nothing for the local environment and the volume of objections it has received tells us very clearly that local people simply don’t want it.
“The Marina is set in a unique natural environment, surrounded by sea, beach and cliffs, which are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
"The beach and sea have intrinsic ecological value and provide a unique open setting. The cliffs provide a fantastic visual setting.
“There is much to treasure here in terms of the built environment too. Nearby are some of the most spectacular historic environments in the City, notably Lewes Crescent and Sussex Square, along with adjoining terraces.
"In addition, the scale of development envisaged on a tract of land that is essentially cut off from the rest of the city with busy roads, would necessitate more open space and infrastructure for its new influx of residents than appears to be allowed for under the plans.
“And, it doesn't make sense to place a building of any sort right on the shoreline and up to the sea defences when all the climate indicators predict rising sea levels and an increasing prevalence of violent storms.
"The scale of development envisaged by the plan takes a short-sighted view and further work is needed to ensure the plan will provide a truly sustainable future for the area."
Notes to editors:
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