Seafront site clears final hurdle

The proposed development includes a total of 10 new buildings

Controversial proposals to redevelop the seafront at Hove in East Sussex have cleared their final hurdle.

Planning permission for the King Alfred site was granted in March, but it was feared changes in the political make-up of the council would lead to problems.

The city's planning committee has now approved a benefits package from the scheme, clearing the way for developers Karis to get formal planning consent.

The £290m project includes the building of hundreds of flats in two towers.

A new leisure centre will also be built, along with shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, a doctors' surgery and a police office.

'Valuable site'

The development has been designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry and includes two controversial towers which have been described by opponents as "crumpled tin cans" and a "monstrosity".

At the meeting on Wednesday, councillors approved a multi-million pound package of community benefits from the redevelopment.

It means Karis will pay for local benefits ranging from more local school places to better public transport in a package worth about £40m.

This would be in addition to a £46m public sports centre and almost 500 private flats.

The largest single payment is a £32m subsidy from Karis towards creating 276 affordable homes on the site.

Council leader Brian Oxley said he was keen for the city to get "the best possible package of benefits out of this valuable site".