Brighton council are proposing an outrageous 12-storey tower block to be built within meters of Hereford court. The planned high-rise tower will overshadow and overlook the majority of west-facing flats in the Hereford Court obstructing their daylight and views over the city and downs. The planned building will permanently strip the peace and privacy of residents due to the close proximity and height of the planned construction. The council's plans display a shocking disregard for the wellbeing of the community. But our voices matter!
Please sign the petition to make sure our voices are heard and stand up for the quality of life of residents and our right to the ongoing enjoyment of our homes. These plans are still in consultation phase so we can halt this inappropriate proposal and demand better for our community.
THERE IS TIME TO STOP THIS IF WE ACT NOW!
Please make objections via the planning portal NOW to STOP this project going ahead and urge the Council to consider the impact of their plans on the community.
Deadline Monday 13th October 2025Issues with the planned 12-storey building:
Overshadowing and Loss of Natural Light The proposed building would deprive neighbours of natural light throughout much of the day. Living spaces, balconies, communal hallways, entrances, and the shared garden would all be in permanent shadow.
Overlooking and Loss of Privacy
The development’s height and proximity would result in direct overlooking into the living rooms, bedrooms, and balconies of neighbouring flats, seriously compromising residents’ privacy.
Overdevelopment in a Densely Populated Area
The proposal represents overdevelopment, with an excessive building footprint and height inappropriate for the local context, which already experiences significant residential density.
Loss of Access and Safety Concerns
The development would block or restrict access to the main entrance of Hereford Court, which is vital for residents with reduced mobility, for loading/unloading, and for emergency vehicle access.
Diminished Quality of Life and Health Impacts
The cumulative loss of light, privacy, peace, and outdoor space would significantly reduce neighbours quality of life, leading to negative mental and physical health outcomes. This development would most severely affect the wellbeing of our most vulnerable neighbours, including older residents and those with physical and mental health conditions who rely on natural light, quiet surroundings, and stability for their wellbeing.
Increased Fire Risk
The narrow spacing between buildings could increase the risk of fire spread, making firefighting access more difficult and compromising resident safety.
Loss of Parking Provision
The scheme would result in the loss of parking spaces for residents, visitors, and tradespeople, placing further pressure on Kemptown’s already limited street parking.
Loss of Community Garden
The established and well-used community garden at the front of Hereford Court would become unviable due to overshadowing, eroding a valued community asset.
Construction Impacts
The construction phase would cause prolonged noise, dust, vibration, and disruption to a densely populated residential area, harming wellbeing and local air quality.
Impact on Property Values
The loss of light, views, and amenity would significantly reduce the desirability and saleability of flats in around this area, unfairly impacting leaseholders and homeowners.
Wind Tunnelling and Safety
The narrow gap between buildings would create a dangerous wind channel, further reducing comfort and safety for pedestrians and residents, especially around the main entrance.
Creation of a Dark, Confined, and Unsafe Space
The proximity and scale of the proposed structure would create a dark, narrow corridor between buildings, diminishing both visual amenity and perceived safety.
Such poorly lit and enclosed spaces are known to increase the likelihood of anti-social behaviour and crime, contributing to a higher risk of vandalism, trespassing, and reduced personal safety for residents and visitors.
We support council's efforts to address the housing crisis, but overlooking the knock-on health impacts on existing communities in this way is short-sighted and a serious concern in this location.
