A 189-bed student accommodation development in Brighton has been approved by Hove Council and Brighton despite the presence of some withholding councillors. The 9-storey building is expected to be built on the site of a shop and deserted pub in the Lewes Road area which is classed by the council as a “sustainable transport corridor”. There is a high proportion of students in this area and that is what raised the concern asserting that the new purpose-built student accommodation will ease pressure on the stock of family homes.

The development includes communal spaces on the ground and first floors and five private flats on the top floor. The finishing colour is light brick with partially-glazed first two floors. The community hub is expected to house a cafe and meeting space and there will be a secure cycle parking as well. About £370,000 is expected to be paid for the council by the developers, a London company called CKC Properties. Maintaining local parks, open spaces, sports provision, improving transports and supporting jobs is where the money should be placed.

Cllr Julie Cattell, the Committee chair said that “The universities are a major industry for the city and local planning policies recognise that. Purpose-built accommodation means there is less pressure to convert homes into shared houses for students. And it makes sense to have this accommodation near key university facilities.”

As a part of the planning application process, documents were submitted confirming that "The proposed development would provide 189 student studios which represent a substantial contribution towards the need for purpose-built student housing in the city.

"The site is ideally located for such development, being in close proximity to university teaching accommodation, on a main road."