Landlord Investigation: Allegations of Bribery Over HMO Planning Application in Brighton

Introduction

In Brighton and Hove the local government now faces a serious claim. A landlord gave takeaway vouchers to tenants. The tenants then posted kind words on a planning application. WSE Property Services Ltd. sent in the request. It asks to turn a family home at 47 Eastbrook Road, Portslade into a shared house for up to six people. The council now looks into these comments from the public system.

Details of the Application

WSE Property Services has tried to change the status of this property before. In March 2022 the company asked to change the home at Eastbrook Road. It later pulled back that request in April. The new plan describes a five-bedroom shared home. This change may shift the feel of the neighbourhood.

On the council’s website there are 43 objections and nine good comments. People worry about a lack of parking and fear that local services such as sewage systems may face extra pressure. One objector wrote, "This road is a nightmare to park on already… the level of waste and recycling produced… will be impactive on the already very sensitive and archaic infrastructure."

Some supporters say the plan will help students at a nearby college. One supporter said, "The vast majority of the students… are in desperate need of this accommodation."

The Bribery Allegations

The investigation now looks at claims that WSE Property Services asked tenants to write kind comments if they received a voucher. These claims appeared on the council’s website with names hidden. One comment said, "I have received direct communication from John Wright… encouraging… supportive comments in exchange for takeaway vouchers. Evidence of this communication can be provided to the committee upon request."

The MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, Chris Ward, shared his worry about the case. He got screenshots and an email from a resident who asked, "I urge you to address this matter promptly… ensuring that these practices are thoroughly investigated and halted."

Council’s Stance and Reaction

Councillor Liz Loughran, who leads the council’s Planning Committee, noted the charges and stressed the need for honesty in planning. "While we do not go into detail on specific applications, we are aware of these accusations and are looking into them. Where we have significant concerns over the validity of comments, we remove them," she said.

Loughran added that the council does not use the names and addresses of commenters due to its data rules. This rule may let the system be used wrongly. Still, she stressed that planning is judged by the issues raised and not by who makes the comment.

Conclusion

The case against WSE Property Services fuels a debate. The plan pits local housing needs against the area’s ability to handle more people. With 43 objections against nine supportive comments, opinions are sharply divided. It is important for councils to keep their work open and honest to build public trust and make fair choices.

For those who wish to invest in shared housing such as HMOs, it is wise to know both the legal rules and how locals feel about these plans.

For further details on the application, visit Brighton and Hove City Council’s planning page and search for reference BH2025/00230. —

Sources

• Brighton and Hove City Council: Planning Applications
• Labour Party Commentary: Chris Ward Statement
• Local News Reports: Independent
• Community Insights: The Argus