Concern over plan to redevelop college land with ten family homes

A plan for ten homes on unused college fields has caused concern in the local community.
An early sketch of the plans on the leaflet about the proposals for the unused land at Varndean CollegeAn early sketch of the plans on the leaflet about the proposals for the unused land at Varndean College
An early sketch of the plans on the leaflet about the proposals for the unused land at Varndean College

Varndean College has revealed plans to redevelop the land south of Surrenden Road, which it said is unsuitable for use by the college, with proceeds going towards sport and education facilities.

After a leaflet drop in the area about the plans, concerned residents have set up a Facebook group opposing the development called Green Varndean.

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A statement by Elma Still, Mark Still, Simona Vakili and Peter Lynton laid out their concerns.

It said the development will impact traffic, parking and road safety, ‘especially during the school run’.

They said the development would have an impact on wildlife, including bees, butterflies and slow worms.

It was ‘not in keeping with the mainly 1930s buildings in the local area’, the residents said, and they added that the use of the proceeds from the sale will pay towards an additional sports hall at Varndean College, ‘in likelihood in the same area as the new housing’.

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And they noted that while local houses are being removed from the Dorothy Stringer and Varndean catchment area, these new houses will be built within it.

The college said homes would be affordable, and a mix of two to four bedroom detached and semi-detached properties. The preliminary consultation by the college ends on Friday (October 6).

A spokesman from Varndean College said an application would be submitted later this month.

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