J Livingstone Seagull
New member
INQUIRY TO BE REOPENED INTO PROPOSALS FOR STADIUM FOR BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION FOOTBALL CLUB
The public inquiry into proposals for a new stadium for Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club will be re-opened, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has announced in a letter published today.
The original public inquiry was held between 18 February and 23 October, 2003. The Planning Inspector recommended that permission should be refused.
But while the Inspector's report was under consideration by the Secretary of State, another Inspector's Report - on the draft Brighton and Hove Local Plan - was published.
In light of this, the Secretary of State invited further representations, and as part of this process the applicants sent him detailed information on the availability of alternative sites for the stadium discussed at the planning inquiry.
Having considered these representations, the Secretary of State has concluded that he should seek further evidence concerning the availability or otherwise of alternative sites and that the most effective way of obtaining this evidence is to re-open the public inquiry.
Notes to Editors
Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club applied for planning permission to Brighton and Hove City Council and Lewes District Council for the development, of a new stadium at Falmer with a coach and bus interchange and improved access for the University of Brighton. There were four planning applications for determination. The proposed site lies within the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The applications were called in for determination by the Secretary of State.
The proposals are supported by Brighton and Hove City Council, Sport England, but opposed by Lewes District Council, the Countryside Agency and Local Parish Councils and the Council for the Protection of Rural England.
In a letter issued today, the Secretary of State has asked for evidence on the availability and suitability for the proposed development of a number of sites, each assessed against specific criteria. He has also asked whether there are any other sites that could be suitable, having regard to these criteria.
The Secretary of State has published the Inspector's report and this will be part of the evidence for the new inquiry. However, the Secretary of State does not propose to form a view on the report until he has received and considered the report of the second Inspector.
The Planning Inspectorate in Bristol is making arrangements for the re-opening of the inquiry. This will be done as soon as possible.
The public inquiry into proposals for a new stadium for Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club will be re-opened, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has announced in a letter published today.
The original public inquiry was held between 18 February and 23 October, 2003. The Planning Inspector recommended that permission should be refused.
But while the Inspector's report was under consideration by the Secretary of State, another Inspector's Report - on the draft Brighton and Hove Local Plan - was published.
In light of this, the Secretary of State invited further representations, and as part of this process the applicants sent him detailed information on the availability of alternative sites for the stadium discussed at the planning inquiry.
Having considered these representations, the Secretary of State has concluded that he should seek further evidence concerning the availability or otherwise of alternative sites and that the most effective way of obtaining this evidence is to re-open the public inquiry.
Notes to Editors
Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club applied for planning permission to Brighton and Hove City Council and Lewes District Council for the development, of a new stadium at Falmer with a coach and bus interchange and improved access for the University of Brighton. There were four planning applications for determination. The proposed site lies within the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The applications were called in for determination by the Secretary of State.
The proposals are supported by Brighton and Hove City Council, Sport England, but opposed by Lewes District Council, the Countryside Agency and Local Parish Councils and the Council for the Protection of Rural England.
In a letter issued today, the Secretary of State has asked for evidence on the availability and suitability for the proposed development of a number of sites, each assessed against specific criteria. He has also asked whether there are any other sites that could be suitable, having regard to these criteria.
The Secretary of State has published the Inspector's report and this will be part of the evidence for the new inquiry. However, the Secretary of State does not propose to form a view on the report until he has received and considered the report of the second Inspector.
The Planning Inspectorate in Bristol is making arrangements for the re-opening of the inquiry. This will be done as soon as possible.