Construction Industry News Archive
Welcome to the news archive page. This is where you will find articles from October 2006. If you would like to view our current news, please click here.
- Green light for King Alfred
- D-Day for city
- Legal bid against Albion stadium dropped
- City to lead the way to sustainable future
- Better future lined up for port
Green light for King Alfred
Controversial plans for a £300 million sports and housing complex on Hove seafront have been given the go-ahead.
Brighton and Hove City Council's policy and resources committee tonight voted in favour of the scheme designed by international architect Frank Gehry.
The plans for the King Alfred site were saved at the 11th hour after coming close to collapse because councillors could not reach an agreement.
However, after hours of deliberation, councillors gave their backing to the development.
In a final twist, councillors agreed an amendment to the scheme in which they will try to find an alternative site for a substantial number of homes.
The changes would reduce the number of housing units at the site, after complaints about the density of the scheme, but the details of how many units or where alternative sites would be found have not yet been finalised.
Conservative councillors, angry with the decision, could ask the Government to call in the decision, putting the whole scheme under threat once again.
Simon Burgess, leader of the council, said:
"I'm breathing a huge sigh of relief after a very difficult evening. I'm really pleased for the city. We could not have been closer to losing this and so much of the city's future depends on it."
From The Argus, 5th October 2006
D-Day for city
Give Frank Gehry the go-ahead for his King Alfred plans because otherwise the consequences could be dire.
That is the assessment of Brighton and Hove business leaders on the day councillors vote on the development planned for Hove seafront.
Some of the leading names in business in the city have written to councillors expressing their fears for the future of Brighton and Hove if Gehry's latest plans do not win approval.
Among those to sign the letter from Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership are Roger French, managing director of Brighton Bus and Coach Company, Christine D'Cruz, director of commerce at EDF Energy, and Mark Beacham, regional operations manager for National Car Parks.
The letter was sent on behalf of the hundreds of city businesses and traders in the partnership.
Leaders believe a vote against the scheme could spell the end of future projects, including the planned new Brighton Centre, and leave the city's business reputation in tatters.
They believe backing such schemes is crucial to luring investors to the city.
However, The Argus reported on Tuesday how two party leaders said the plans should be thrown out.
Keith Taylor, leader of the Green Party on Brighton and Hove City Council, said the council had never agreed to consider more than 400 homes and Brian Oxley, leader of the Conservatives, said he thought it was about time councillors considered building the homes elsewhere.
The decision is in the hands of a handful of councillors, who had not made up their minds when The Argus contacted them yesterday.
Seven of the 15 councillors said they were going to vote in favour, three councillors came out against the scheme, three were undecided and two were unavailable for comment.
But the business leaders are urging the scheme's opponents to think again and hope those as yet un-decided will come out in favour of the plans today.
Mr French said the scheme was vital to the city's prosperity. He said the development would not only provide much-needed housing for his employees but would also encourage trade. He said:
"We are continually finding our key workers, cleaners and drivers, are having to travel further and further away. It's a complete travesty that this development could be in jeopardy. It is vital to the prosperity of the businesses of central Hove, particularly smaller traders, who depend on the King Alfred being redeveloped. To think the proposal could fail at this late stage is beyond belief."
This is the third time developer Karis has put plans for the seafront development before the policy and resources committee.
The most recent proposals were rejected by councillors and by Government architectural advisers the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) and English Heritage.
But Simon Burgess, council leader, said he was satisfied the new version, which will be presented to the committee this afternoon, would be supported by the Government agencies.
And he has pleaded with Liberal Democrat and Green councillors - whose precious votes could determine the project's future - not to vote against it. Coun Burgess said:
"Karis have invested huge amounts on this scheme but they won't want to throw good money after bad. When investors put that kind of money into something and it goes wrong, how can we expect them to consider the Brighton Centre? It's not that we're dancing to a business tune but we ignore their concerns at our peril. They can see the advantages of this scheme and are taken aback by some councillors' opinions - they can't understand it."
The committee must give its consent on behalf of the council as landowners before the developer can move on to the planning stage.
The project's costs will then be discussed in the second part of the meeting behind closed doors.
It is thought that so far Karis has spent about £10 million on the plans.
There are fears among some councillors that if they pull the plug on the project the council could be liable for those costs.
And some are even wondering how long major employers such as American Express will stay if such development commitments are broken. Coun Burgess said:
"I'm getting very clear messages that if we don't get the vote, it will make it really hard to get the financial support we need for the Brighton Centre. Investors will think we have no overall control and we may not be able to get these things through. So I'm desperately hoping that those who are saying they are against will look at the bigger picture and vote for the confidence of the city."
With six Conservatives on the committee likely to vote against the development and six Labour councillors voting for it, the deciding votes will be left to just two Green and one Liberal Democrat councillor.
Coun Taylor told The Argus on Tuesday he might vote against the development due to the sheer scale of the plans.
Karis needs to build more than 750 homes on the site to make the project financially viable. The initial brief called for between 300 and 400 units.
Business leaders point out that a year ago, Coun Taylor supported the development and said it was "one to be proud of and one that would enhance the city". Coun Taylor said he changed his vote following objections from English Heritage and CABE.
He added:
"I'm one of 15 and it's the majority of the committee that makes the decision - that's democracy. A year ago I was told specifically by council officers that I couldn't challenge the 750 units. I think I've been stitched up because I remember being told I could not raise the issue and instead we secured extra benefits for transport along the seafront.
Obviously the job of the council is to co-ordinate city life in a sustainable way. It's not simply about growth at any cost. The real question is about the nature of the development. We can't run a city with a cheque book to our head. There has to be a quality of life. We've heard all this scare talk from the business community before. We were told that without a park-and-ride on the South Downs the city would grind to a halt.
The business community should take it on board that the King Alfred needs to complement and not dominate the community centre it will replace. If the council is going to make a mistake, I'd rather we made it on paper than with bricks and mortar."
Even if the King Alfred development is pivotal to the city's financial future, as business leaders suggest, it is still not popular with voters in Hove.
The site falls within Brunswick and Adelaide ward, whose representative Paul Elgood has given his vote to fellow Liberal Democrat Dawn Davidson.
Party leader David Watkins said Coun Davidson would be voting in favour of the plans.
Meanwhile Conservative councillors have been accused of playing party politics with the votes in the hope of winning next year's election.
Tory councillor Brian Oxley said he would be voting against the redevelopment.
He said:
"The review was an opportunity for developers to come forward with a proposal people could rally around. They have just made the towers taller and reduced the height of the surrounding buildings. There are still a number of issues that haven't been resolved. It is too dense and out of keeping with the surrounding area.
There's no evidence I have seen that suggests inward investment would be deterred if we don't vote for the King Alfred. If the King Alfred development has to be funded by housing then put the housing elsewhere. There is no argument a sports centre is needed. We need to find a way forward that is acceptable to all the parties. It is time the council's Labour administration allowed other ideas to come forward."
But members of the city's economic partnership said the King Alfred scheme was crucial to the future of the city.
Paul Bonnett, of Bonnett's estate agents and chairman of Brighton and Hove Estate Agents' Association, said:
"I feel this is an opportunity not to be missed. Although I'm not always in favour of development in the city, I feel this, because of the housing for key workers and community sports centre, is going to be a great benefit for Brighton and Hove.
Two years ago I wasn't in favour. I have been thinking about it more and more and I think it's in the best interest of the city.One of the problems in Brighton and Hove is we're so much caught in the past in terms of architecture. We have got to move forward. If this development doesn't get the go-ahead, the other people planning on investing in the city will think twice."
Colin Monk, pro-vice-chancellor of business and marketing at the University of Brighton, said:
"You can approach this issue on two levels: what will it mean to the immediate neighbourhood, and this is important because we are a compressed city, and where is Brighton going as a city? We felt the proposal was to set a beacon, which would lead to local jobs and send a clear message to people considering development issues in the town. It is important to send the message that Brighton is prepared to take steps to be innovative.
If the redevelopment isn't given the go-ahead, it will send a message outside the city that Brighton is becoming more inward looking, when its history and success is built on being more outward looking. It would be negative for the city."
Trevor Freeman, of accountants TR Freeman and Co, said:
"I was devastated when I understood the scheme might not go through. We desperately need the jobs, investment and facilities."
Simon Beales, who co-runs fashion label Simultane, said:
"We're the only city in the country which could potentially have a Frank Gehry building. From a commercial point of view it would bring investment and income into this area of Hove. Where are the interesting landmarks and interesting architecture of the last 30 years? Other cities have managed it but we don't seem capable.
It would be a slap in the face if this doesn't get the go-ahead. I understand from the local point of view it's a real concern and I wouldn't want to offend them but this development is a positive thing."
From The Argus, 5th October 2006
Legal bid against Albion stadium dropped
Brighton and Hove Albion's plans for a stadium at Falmer will be decided by the Government after a legal bid against the scheme was dropped at the last minute.
Lewes District Council withdrew its legal challenge to the plans less than 24 hours before it was due to appear in the High Court in London.
The move means the decision is now in the hands of Ruth Kelly, the new Communities and Local Government Secretary.
Ms Kelly has promised to take all parties' views into account when she reconsiders the planning application for the stadium, which the Seagulls have been trying to build for more than five years.
The new decision is being taken after Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott admitted he had made a blunder in his approval of the scheme last October.
Mr Prescott granted planning permission almost a year ago but he was forced to quash his decision due to a mistake over the proposed site's location, which he described as within the built-up area of Brighton and Hove.
In fact only a small part of the stadium would be inside the boundary of the built-up area.
Lewes District Council, Falmer Parish Council and the South Downs Society launched a legal challenge after the Government said it would not consider all their objections when the decision was retaken.
The Government had, until yesterday, said it was only willing to review the section of the decision in which the error had been made.
However, the opposing parties have now been reassured the Government would now consider all the objections raised, effectively retracing Mr Prescott's steps in making his original decision.
The district council received a letter from Government lawyers yesterday, saying the council's objections would now be considered.
Both sides claimed victory after the legal challenge was dropped.
Lewes District Council said the decision was further justification of its own stance against the stadium and said it was further proof Prescott's decision to grant planning permission was flawed.
Councillor David Neighbour said:
"It's just a shame these assurances were not given months ago. We knew the High Court would quash the decision because the Government's lawyers had already admitted it was flawed on one key point, which Mr Prescott used repeatedly to justify his decision."
Albion Chief Executive Martin Perry said:
"Lewes District Council has argued it wanted confirmation from the Treasury Solicitor that the Secretary of State is now dealing with this matter. Ruth Kelly should give an undertaking that she will consider all the points it has raised when she makes her decision on planning permission for the new stadium.
The club has always argued this is unnecessary because, as part of the process under the inquiry rules, the Secretary of State has to write to the interested parties to ask them whether there is anything they wish her to consider before she makes her decision.
I am very pleased that at last this matter has been resolved. It is no coincidence that, just a few hours before they were due to appear in court, the council has agreed to the terms of the Consent Order offered to it by the Treasury Solicitor.
Lewes District Council knew it was at risk for costs and it was because of the pressure applied by the club that we now move on."
Paul Samrah, chairman of the Falmer For All campaign group and leader of the Seagulls Party political group, said:
"Lewes District Council is firmly on the back foot. This is a clear victory for the thousands of supporters that attended our rally."
The decision to prevent today's planned High Court action effectively means the bid to build a football stadium in Falmer is back to square one.
Ms Ruth Kelly must now decide whether to grant planning permission for the stadium, considering the same data as John Prescott.
Ms Kelly's department confirmed letters would be sent to all parties involved to make representations over the plan but could not confirm when a decision was likely to be made.
It has been confirmed all costs incurred on both sides of the argument in preparation of the High Court action would be met by the Government.
From The Argus, 4th October 2006
City to lead the way to sustainable future
Ten key areas have been chosen for landmark, eco-friendly developments as planners prepare a new "greenprint" for Brighton and Hove.
With the population set to increase and new homes demanded by the Government, strategists are working on the their 'eco-vision' to accommodate growth while safeguarding the city's environmental future.
Martin Randall, city planner, has outlined how Brighton and Hove could look over the next 20 years He said:
"The people of Brighton and Hove are among the most environmentally-aware in the UK with the potential to create a model eco-city. If it can be done anywhere it can be done here."
The population of the city is predicted to rise from about 250,000 to 288,000 between now and 2026.
Under the Government's draft South-East Plan, the city will need to find room for 11,000 new homes and a workforce expected to grow by 18,000.
Mr Randall said:
"The whole purpose of planning now is to promote sustainable development and in Brighton and Hove we have a particular commitment to that. When you look around the city you can see we're getting some really good sustainable design here.
In some senses planning used to be about lines on maps. Now its joining all the dots, asking how developments link with transport, create business, improve people's quality of life, and green initiatives are all a part of that."
The environmental greenprint document, named Core Strategy, will direct planning policies for the whole of Brighton and Hove during two decades.
Based on the United Nations environmental concept of an Urban Biosphere Reserve, it will ensure all new developments minimise water use and maximise the use of renewable energies, while producing as little waste as possible.
New buildings would also be located and designed to take advantage of weather conditions, in similar ways to the award-winning Jubilee Library. With its glass front and wind towers providing heat and ventilation it uses as little in fossil fuels as a large family home.
Mr Randall said:
"If you look at the recent announcements on climate change this is of fundamental importance. Also people are looking at how they can make their own homes more efficient and minimise their impact on the environment. There's a real understanding of that in Brighton and Hove. The recent applications for private wind turbines and micro-generators are good examples of that.
What we have to do as a city is see if we can reduce our overall footprint even as the population increases.If you look at the Earthship and what's going on at the university, the Marina, the developments at the station, you really are seeing these quality initiatives coming though."
Conservation measures will also be built into new developments, including a mix of affordable, welldesigned flats, to mirror plans for the South Downs.
Those living near Brighton station in the New England quarter, for example, will share their homes with bird and bat boxes.
A 'greenway' will also run through the development, from Preston Circus to the station.
Most or all the new developments will be built on brownfield sites, although councillors admit they could include a number of tall buildings, above six storeys.
Mr Randall said:
"It is often assumed that economic growth and sustainability are incompatible but we believe these changes could be accommodated in a sustainable way.By 2026 we want the city to be an Urban Biosphere Reserve and we should have made major progress in meeting demand for new homes."
At the heart of the greenprint will be sustainable developments in ten key locations.
Howard Johns, one of the engineers behind Earthship Brighton and managing director of Southern Solar, said:
"These sound like very exciting prospects. In China they are already building eco-cities. Merton in London has pioneered using wind turbines and solar panels to meet energy needs on site. It's good to see Brighton and Hove following suit."
But not all are impressed. Keith Taylor, leader of the Green Party group, said he was unsure how the greenprint would marry with recently published retail reports predicting massive growth during the next ten years.
Both the Core Strategy and the retail predictions are part of the council's Local Development Framework, yet the green councillor said the latter was "completely unsustainable". He said:
"We simply don't have the land supply to deal with that kind of growth. If this Core Strategy opens up the debate about how we use the land in the city then I look forward to it but we have to strike a balance between our need for housing and employment. The Greens believe the people should be at the centre of the agenda. The tail shouldn't wag the dog."
Mr Randall pointed to projects, such as proposals for a "zero-carbon" development in Circus Street, as evidence of successes.
The £100 million project will include a new university library plus 180 homes, creating 620 jobs.
An onsite wind turbine with a combined heat and power plant would make no net contribution to global warming, Mr Randall said.
Landowners have already been consulted on the plans and more discussions will take place before the Core Strategy is agreed next July.
From The Argus, 2nd October 2006
Better future lined up for port
Newhaven Port is on the brink of being sold in a deal which could attract multimillion-pound investments and create hundreds of jobs.
A Sussex firm with American backing - Apollo Bannertown - wants to buy the port with a view to building homes, commercial premises, roads and a modern port terminal while upgrading ferry links.
Apollo Bannertown was one of three companies shortlisted from a number of potential buyers. It has now been chosen as the preferred firm and has four months to work out the details of the deal.
It will almost certainly include the development of Eastside Business Park.
Land has been set aside for the business park for ten years but there has been no investment until now.
Apollo Bannertown has exclusive access to the port to take measurements and conduct structural tests on the breakwater during the four-month period.
Newhaven Port and Property Ltd is looking for a separate firm to operate the ferry service. The aim of the new deal would be to offer a more modern, rapid and reliable ferry service between Newhaven and Dieppe.
However, access to Newhaven Port will be guaranteed under the deal for 25 to 30 years. None of the financial details of the deal have been released but the value of the sale is thought to run into hundreds of thousands of pounds.
East Sussex County Council cabinet member Simon Radford-Kirby said:
"We worked very closely with Lewes District Council and the French owners of the port on this deal. Ultimately Apollo is a billion-pound company that has the ability to deliver the investment this area needs. Over the next four months I expect we will see the area awash with hard hats and clipboards.
No money has been spent on the port for years so they will need to establish what needs to be done and take it from there. A new terminal will provide a gateway to East Sussex and the UK that we can be proud of.
The really exciting thing about this deal is the potential it has to deliver hundreds of millions of pounds in new investment, regenerating the whole area, bringing employment, housing, all kinds of benefits. And it will have a knock on effect for the whole of Sussex."
He added:
"The next four months were all about crossing the Ts and dotting the Is."
Lewes MP Norman Baker said:
"I am cautiously optimistic this may well be the start of better things to come for Newhaven Port. It needs significant investment and the arrival of a private sector conglomerate with port expertise, prepared to exploit the planning potential of land is the best way to achieve this."
Newhaven Councillor David Rogers said:
"This is a very exciting prospect both for the county and for the town."
From The Argus, 27th September 2006
