Controversial Knoll House Demolition Hove: Setting The Record Straight

Knoll House Hove Full Speech & Background
Dear Councillors,
I have come today to express my deep concern and strong objection to the proposed plans for Knoll House, which has come back to Planning Committee today. It is imperative that you give immediate attention to the following points:
1. Lack of Scrutiny: The Policy and Resource Committee meeting that passed the plans for this £9.5 million project was shockingly deficient in proper examination. With just three councillors present, the item was never called for discussion. Such a lack of scrutiny and oversight is unacceptable and raises serious doubts about the validity of the proposed plans.
2. Deviation from Agreed Recommendations: The current proposals deviate significantly from the previously agreed-upon refurbishment plans. It is evident that the original recommendations were not considered, leading to a bad deal for the city. The proposed project, which includes four stories and a substantial cost of £9.5 million, was never debated, discussed, or consulted upon by any fully functioning committee. This irregularity undermines the integrity of the decision-making process.
What was voted on back in Jan 2020 was a plan to refurbish. Costing £1.3m with £1.3m coming from a homes England grant.
A Report never came back as agreed, Instead a report went to a social care sub committee with just three councillors present
Cllr Mears Raised significant concerns and fears around the finances, plans and use of the building including management.
Requested to defer pending site visit as no one present apart from her had seen the site, she raised concerns with massive previous investment. Passed and then days later never called at policy and resource committee!
3. Disregard for Human Rights: The city is facing a dire situation where individuals experiencing homelessness continue to suffer and even die due to the lack of adequate support and housing. The proposed plans fail to address the pressing human rights issue of providing safe and dignified accommodation for these vulnerable individuals. We have a moral duty to prioritise their well-being and uphold their fundamental right to a home and a chance at a decent life.
Since this original report we have indeed increased the number of wheelchair accessible homes, and have continuous plans in place for more accessible homes in the future.
4. Exorbitant Costs and Limited Increase in Housing Capacity: The proposed project's cost of £9.5 million for just seven additional homes and two extra stories is unjustifiable. This represents a poor use of public funds, especially when considering the urgent need to address homelessness in our city. The lack of substantial increase in housing capacity raises questions about the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed plans.
Take into account original cost agreed in jan H&W Board would have provided slightly less than the current capacity of 21 flats, reduced to 17. Looking at the plans for this building and what officers stated was needing just “new walls, a lift” fire stuff and refresh, you have to question the net benefits for the city.
Remember that was £1.3m with a £1.3m grant zero cost!
This is asking for significant borrowing and presenting a proposal the H&W board have not seen, reviewed it was a few councillors who pushed though officer recommendations which have too many irregularities and therefore public interest issues.
In light of these concerns, I urgently request that you reconsider the original plans for refurbishment that were previously agreed upon. The current proposals fall short of addressing the city's needs, neglect the human rights of our most vulnerable citizens, and are exorbitantly expensive for minimal gain.
I implore you, as representatives of the public interest, to give due consideration to these critical issues before making any decisions. Our community deserves transparent, accountable, and responsible decision-making that prioritises the well-being and dignity of all residents.
Brooke-mead a similar facility came in £4m over budget, and provided a lot of homes, this could cost a lot for little gain, whereby we continue to neglect other areas whereby people are dying almost weekly.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that you will act in the best interest of the city and its residents.
#brighton #developers #housing

[@SultanaRazia-jx8mk]

Very nice video ❤❤

[@homelessnessbestpractice]

Hi Dan, great to see people taking housing issues to local councils robustly - would you be up for a conversation about doing something together? - we're asking similar questions to Bedford Borough Council's committees and are hoping to find ways to help others do the same in other areas.

[@HousingDan]

Hey. I would be up for this, as I am getting a lot of people also asking me how to lobby for change without really knowing the meaning of it, rather how do they get change. Do email me, [e-mail]