Approved block of Southgate flats a ‘monstrosity’

The outline application for the corner of Brighton Road and Stonefield Close had been refused before – and dismissed on appeal – as it did not include any affording housing.

But, with two of the flats now listed as affordable, members of the council’s planning committee had no sound reasons to refuse it again.

During a meeting on Monday (December 7), the three and four-storey block was given the go-ahead, though many of the committee were still not happy with the plans.

Liam Ascough (Con, Gossops Green & North East Broadfield) said he was concerned about the number of new homes being ‘crammed into this part of Crawley’, while Raj Sharma (Lab, Southgate) was more blunt, calling the development ‘a monstrosity’.

Questions were also asked about the amount of parking provided – 20 spaces – and the way the building would overlook nearby bungalows.

Despite their concerns, the committee was aware that another refusal would most likely be lost on appeal, potentially costing the council thousands of pounds.

The new building will be made up of five one-bedroom and 15 two-bedroom flats and would have access from both Brighton Road and Stonefield Close.

To view the application in full, log on to planningregister.crawley.gov.uk and search for CR/2020/0588/OUT.