An MP who is “deeply concerned” by Royal Mail’s plans to build a new delivery office in the city has submitted a formal objection.
Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, has expressed her worries about the “disproportionate impact” that the proposed development will have on residents near the site at Patcham Court Farm.
She has made a formal objection to the plans which have been updated since their first submission to Brighton and Hove City Council in July 2022.
The Green Party MP has objected to Royal Mail’s planning application on a number of grounds, including the inadequacy of public transport infrastructure serving the site and the increased risk of flooding and deteriorating water quality.
She also believes there is a lack of clarity on Royal Mail’s commitment to a customer service point in central Brighton and has worried about implications for air quality and the company's “neglect of its universal service obligation to deliver letters”.
Ms Lucas, who has been raising serious concerns and questions about Royal Mail's plans since November 2021, also stated that she is “not confident about the robustness of Royal Mail’s assessments”. She criticised the postal service for “inconsistencies” in the information provided, and for a “lack of engagement with the local community”.
She said: “I have submitted a formal objection to Royal Mail’s plans to develop the Patcham Court Farm site because I am deeply concerned about the disproportionate impact that this proposed development would have on residents in the north of my constituency.
“I’ve been minded to object to this application for some time, but have continually sought further information from Royal Mail, sharing my concerns with residents throughout that time.
“Yet clear and accurate responses have not been forthcoming, and enormous questions – ranging from transport plans, to flood risks, to postal service delivery – remain unanswered. I cannot in good faith support this proposal, and stand fully behind Patcham residents in objecting to its development.”
Royal Mail has submitted amended plans to Brighton and Hove City Council and residents are being invited to have their say on the plans now.
Comments and objections can be made on the council’s website.
Elected councillors on the planning committee will make the final decision on the planning application. A decision is not expected before autumn 2023.