Five-Storey Hove Flats Approved Despite Neighbour Objections

Plans to demolish a former art supplies store in Hove and replace it with a five-storey block of 14 flats have been approved.

Brighton and Hove City Council’s Planning Committee unanimously backed the £5.3 million scheme in Kingsthorpe Road yesterday (Wednesday).

There were 15 objections, with concerns raised about the height of the building and potential loss of light for neighbours.

The development will not include affordable housing, but the council will receive a £394,105 contribution towards building affordable homes elsewhere.

Councillors said the site was an opportunity to provide much-needed housing, with good public transport links and little available space for development in the area.

The premises were formerly home to Lawrence Art Supplies, which became part of Jackson’s Art Supplies in 2024.

The neighbouring Rayford House office building has already been converted into a five-storey block of flats called The Pinnacle.