Councillors have given the green light for a new penthouse in Hove, despite some local objections about the height increase
Hove: So, the planners just approved a new penthouse flat on top of a block of flats in Hove. This happened during a council meeting on Wednesday. Everyone on the council voted for it, which is pretty rare.
They’re adding a third floor and a fourth storey to the building at 9 The Upper Drive. The new penthouse will have three bedrooms, but one existing flat will lose a bedroom in the process.
Now, there were some folks who weren’t too happy about this. Labour councillor Jackie O’Quinn spoke up for 14 objectors. She mentioned how she often walks by and is frustrated to see yet another height increase in the area.
She pointed out that the area looks a bit disjointed with the new blocks of flats mixed in with private houses. It’s like a puzzle that doesn’t quite fit together, you know?
The applicant, Edward Addison, asked the committee to check out the design statement from his agent. He insisted that the new flats wouldn’t make parking any worse, thanks to a report that looked at parking during early hours.
That report found 92 cars parked in the area, which has 52 spaces. So, it seems like there’s still room for more cars, at least according to them.
Some councillors were all for building upwards instead of outwards, especially since they’re near a national park. It’s a way to make better use of the space in the city.
Another councillor, Mark Earthey, mentioned that it’s likely the other blocks will also be raised to match the new height. So, it looks like this change is just the beginning!
