Councilors welcome affordable housing in Hove development

Hyde applied to Brighton and Hove City Council for planning permission for a different mix of houses than originally approved.

The result is that more homes will be available to rent for an ‘affordable’ amount and fewer will be shared ownership.

The Planning Committee unanimously supported the proposed changes this week.

Hyde, one of Brighton and Hove’s largest housing associations, is looking to increase the number of single-bed apartments from seven to 14 – all at affordable rents.

Ten two-room apartments can be made available together with one three-room apartment at affordable rents.

The residential development should include affordable housing

Conservative councilwoman Carol Theobald said: “I am delighted that we will have a further 104 new apartments. I hope that those that aren’t ‘affordable’ are still affordable for people.”

Labor Councilor Carmen Appich said: “This is right next to my county border and I am delighted that there will be opportunities for local people to rent property at affordable prices.

“It’s not the same as social housing, but it’s better than the open market and I very much welcome that proposal.”

All of the homes under the program are rated “affordable,” with 16 of them available for shared ownership on a site that previously also housed Clifford’s car parts.

“Affordable” rents are at most the local housing benefit or 80 percent of the local market price for a comparable property.