Chance to have say on 473 new homes

Oakdene Homes, the developer in line to buy Newhaven Port, has submitted two planning applications for housing in the town.

The first is for 140 homes, plus commercial units, at Augustfields, off Brighton Road. The second is for the third phase of its development at the marina.

This includes 321 flats and 12 town houses in 11 blocks of between three and eight storeys, plus car parking, commercial and office space, marina facilities, a club room and marina berths.

The town council has decided to call a public meeting about the two applications because of the high level of interest in them.

Plans will be on display and architects will be on hand to answer any questions.

Nicholas Cooper, a bus driver from West Quay, is against the marina development.

He said: 'I have got nothing against the actual buildings going up. What concerns me more than anything is the road.

'It is a very busy road at the moment and is already at high capacity .

'If you are going to build 300-odd flats which will average probably 1.5 cars per flat, you can expect something like 600 extra vehicles using that road.

'With people dashing up and down there my worry is someone will be killed.'

The public meeting will be held at the Hillcrest Centre, Hillcrest Road. Doors open at 6.30pm and the meeting will start at 7pm.

Cllr Carla Butler, planning committee chairman, said: 'I hope people take the opportunity to have their say. I am very conscious that mistakes have been made planning-wise in the past and it is important we do not make mistakes for the future.'