Takeaway Voucher Controversy: Council Probes Bribery in Planning Application
Allegations Surface
Brighton and Hove City Council starts an inquiry into claims. A local developer, WSE Property Services Ltd, is said to have given takeaway vouchers to tenants. The goal was to get the tenants to leave good comments on a planning application. The application asks to change a family home into a five-bedroom house used as a multiple occupation home in Portslade.
WSE Property Services is run by John Wright and Holly Wright. They have tried this conversion before. That earlier plan was dropped last year. The council learned of these claims through anonymous comments on their website. The comments say that tenants were told to leave positive feedback if they received a meal voucher. This claim casts doubt on the trust in how planning is done.
Council Response
Chris Ward, a Member of Parliament for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, shows worry about the matter. He asks that the council check the claims in full. A concerned local sent him an email and screenshots that explain the bribery.
The email said, "I urge you to address this matter promptly and strongly. The way these practices are done must be checked and stopped. It is important to keep local work honest; actions like these must be met with firm replies."
Liz Loughran, a Labour Councillor and chair of the council’s Planning Committee, says the council takes these claims seriously. She expects that planning responses come with honest intentions. The council now looks at the matter.
The Planning Application Context
The plan is to transform a family home at 47 Eastbrook Road into a multiple occupation home for up to six people. The council file shows 43 objections to the plan and only nine comments in support.
Many locals worry about parking in the area. They also fear problems with the sewage and waste systems. They believe that six residents, plus their guests, will put too much strain on the local systems.
A few locals support the plan. They think more shared homes are needed for students of the nearby Performers College. The students, mostly women, often face long trips because local homes are hard to find.
One supporter, who did not give a name, said, "The majority of the students at the college are female. They study performing arts full time from 9 am to 5 pm, and sometimes later when they prepare for shows. Without enough local homes, they must take public transport for an hour each way. These students need local housing."
Conclusion
The inquiry goes on. It is important that Brighton and Hove City Council keep the planning process honest. Every voice must count, whether it supports or objects to the plan. Truth in local work is key, and how the council replies may shape future planning rules, especially for multiple occupation homes.
For those who think of investing in properties or multiple occupation homes, seeing a strong and fair process is key for keeping property value and community strength intact.
