Riverside scheme for hundreds of new affordable homes approved

More than 250 affordable homes and commercial space for hundreds of new jobs could soon be created in a high-profile riverside location after plans were approved by Adur District Council.

The Hyde New Homes scheme, which is the latest proposal for industrial land on the banks of the River Adur, will see Kingston Wharf transformed into a modern contemporary development.

Adur District Council's Planning Committee approved the proposal to create three blocks of 255 high-quality one, two and three bed apartments on the former Shoreham Harbour site this week.

Thanks to Homes England funding, all of these properties will be made available as affordable housing, either through shared ownership (163 units) or social rented (92 units).

A new business centre will also be built on the Brighton Road site, providing space for start-up businesses which will create 229 jobs and contribute £2 million a year to the local economy.

Also included will be a new riverside walk, play area, cycling infrastructure and parking for 155 bikes and 286 cars.

Cllr Brian Boggis, Adur District Council's Executive Member for Regeneration, said:

“I'm delighted to see the proposal for Kingston Wharf approved. The development is the latest part of our ambitious plans to transform industrial land into high-quality riverside homes while opening up the waterfront to cyclists and pedestrians.

“The creation of adaptable commercial space is also key, providing space for start-up firms to create jobs for local people which will be crucial in helping the local economy bounce back from the COVID lockdown.”

The Kingston Wharf development was approved by the Planning Committee at a virtual meeting held this week (Monday 6th July 2020).

In addition to a range of housing to meet local demand, the plans will see a mix of offices, self-storage and flexible units created in a new enterprise centre, along with a new cafe.

With previous plans deferred to allow for design changes, councillors agreed the alterations, which included the introduction of metal work on the riverside-facing balconies and variations in brick colour, made the scheme more attractive.

The committee also welcomed the sustainable features of the scheme, such as solar panels and temperature and ventilation management systems, which will reduce carbon emissions by up to 40 per cent. There is also potential to connect the development to the Shoreham Harbour District Heating System.

As part of the agreement, developers will be required to contribute more than £900,000 towards highway improvements and the cost of a cycle path along the A259.

Further sums of £65,000 for a new playground and £236,000 towards providing a replacement medical centre at Pond Road will also be secured through Section 106.

The committee also requested that work is undertaken to see if a pontoon or river access can be provided to support recreational use.

With the scheme now approved in principle, developers said work could start early next year.

Cllr Carol Albury, Chairman of Adur District Council's Planning Committee, said:

“After a long and lively debate, the committee placed a number of conditions on this scheme which will make it an extremely exciting development when completed.

“It has the potential to bring real benefits to the wider area contributing affordable housing, new workspace and vital cycling and pedestrian infrastructure along the riverside.

“I sincerely hope that we're able to negotiate pontoons or access to the waterside, which will make water activities more accessible to the general public.”

Images: Artist's impression of the Kingston Wharf development (courtesy of Hyde New Homes)

PR20-076 - Riverside walk at Kingston Wharf - plans backed by Adur DC (courtesy of Hyde New Homes)

PR20-076 - Flats and playground area at Kingston Wharf - plans backed by Adur DC (courtesy of Hyde New Homes)

PR20-076 - Waterside view of Kingston Wharf - plans backed by Adur DC (courtesy of Hyde New Homes)

See also: Adur Planning Committee, 6th July 2020 (Item 6 - Planning Applications)

(PR20-076)