Controversial proposals to transform Brighton’s former gasworks site into a major housing scheme have been given the go-ahead after an appeal.
The approved £280 million project, led by developer St William (part of the Berkeley Group), will see 495 homes built across nine new buildings ranging from three to 12 storeys at the junction of Marina Way and Roedean Road. However, none of the properties will be designated as affordable housing — a key point of criticism throughout the planning process.
The development faced heavy opposition, with more than 1,700 objections lodged with Brighton and Hove City Council. Concerns focused on the scheme’s scale, density, and visual impact, with some describing it as out of character with the surrounding neighbourhood. Labour councillor Gill Williams previously warned that the design risked turning Kemptown “into Gotham City.”
Other critics argued the apartments could be snapped up as short-term holiday lets, offering little benefit to local residents in need of housing.
Despite these objections, Housing Secretary Steve Reed overturned the council’s 2024 refusal and approved the plans. In his decision, he highlighted the regeneration benefits of replacing an “unsightly, underused, and contaminated” brownfield site. Reed also noted that east Brighton already features taller buildings, and stressed that views of the South Downs National Park and the coastline would remain “intact.”
Planning documents indicate the scheme will not lead to “unacceptable living conditions” for neighbouring residents. Alongside housing, the plans include commercial floorspace expected to generate up to 195 jobs, new public areas, walking routes, and a net gain in biodiversity.
The project has been more than four years in the making. While divisive, supporters argue it represents a significant opportunity to revitalise a neglected part of the city and create nearly 200 jobs during construction and beyond.
