The ongoing discussions between Brighton and Hove City Council and the Royal Mail regarding potential development plans at Patcham Court Farm remain confidential due to commercial sensitivity. Details such as the financial aspects of a potential long lease agreement with the Royal Mail have not been disclosed by the council.
The discussions revolve around a proposal for the Royal Mail to construct a distribution center at Patcham Court Farm, situated in Vale Avenue near the intersection of A23 and A27. If finalized, this deal would enable the release of two current sites for residential development, namely the Royal Mail premises in North Road, Brighton, and Denmark Villas in Hove.
Conservative councillors Alistair McNair and Anne Meadows, representing the Patcham and Hollingbury ward, have voiced concerns about the proposed Royal Mail plans, which have received over 1,000 objections from the public.
Councillor McNair highlighted potential financial aspects, mentioning an expected revenue of £8.84 million from various sources, including Patcham Court Farm, King’s Road, Montague Place, housing revenue account (HRA) land transfers, and lease re-gear payments for commercial sites. He expressed worries about the decision-making process, particularly regarding the involvement of Labour councillors who hold a significant majority in the cabinet and Planning Committee.
The Greens had initially proposed the long lease sale to the Royal Mail in July 2022 when they were in power, but opposition from Labour and Conservative councillors halted the process. The current campaign against the development includes criticisms of the council for budgeting based on potential sale proceeds, although these are categorized as “potential capital receipts” in financial reports.
The council clarified that Patcham Court Farm has not been sold and is subject to an amended planning application, with details available on the council’s website and planning register. The final decision on the site’s future will be made by the cabinet in due course.
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