Investigative Claims Surround Brighton HMO Planning Application
By Sarah Booker-Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter
Published 18th March 2025
A new House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) planning proposal in Portslade, Brighton shows troubling signs. A landlord stands accused of trying to sway public views by giving out takeaway vouchers for positive comments. Brighton and Hove City Council now checks these claims. The claims raise clear doubts about the housing application process in the area.
Allegations of Improper Conduct
The plan concerns WSE Property Services Ltd, owned by local residents John and Holly Wright. The Wrights now try again to change their family home at 47 Eastbrook Road into a five-bedroom HMO for up to six individuals. They first applied in March 2024 but pulled the request soon after.
Recent claims came in via anonymous comments on the council website. Some tenants of WSE Property Services say they received messages asking for supportive remarks for the proposal in return for takeaway vouchers. One comment said, "I have received direct communication from John Wright, encouraging myself and other tenants to submit supportive comments in return for takeaway vouchers." The claimant adds that proof of this message can be shown to the council if asked.
Council Response and Investigative Actions
Labour MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, Chris Ward, now wants the council to act. He got an email from a local who was worried. The email came with screenshots of the messages, and it urged that the council look into the matter quickly. The email made clear that truth in local government steps is very important.
Labour councillor Liz Loughran, who leads the council’s Planning Committee, accepts the matter is serious. She said, "While we do not go into detail on specific applications, we are aware of these accusations and are looking into them." She confirmed that the council would take away comments if doubts about their truth emerge.
Heightened Concerns Over Planning Integrity
Brighton and Hove City Council lets the public add comments on planning plans. The council hides the names of commenters to follow data rules. This method has drawn some critique because it might allow false voices to shape public views. Councillor Loughran said, "While we expect responses in good faith, we must ask about steps that hurt the planning process."
Right now, there are 43 objections to the Eastbrook Road plan against nine supportive comments. Objectors list worries from more parking issues to extra stress on local systems. One unknown objector said, "This road is hard to park on already, and six more adults plus visitors will only worsen this."
Supporters, however, say that more places for students in nearby Performers College are needed. One supporter said that many female students face long commutes because local housing is not enough and that the HMO might help solve this.
Conclusion
The current events at 47 Eastbrook Road show a delicate balance between community needs and housing projects in Brighton. As the review moves forward, it reminds us that clear steps and good practice must guide the planning process. Those with an interest in local property or HMOs should watch the case closely.
Sources
- Brighton and Hove City Council. (2025). Planning Applications Information. Brighton and Hove City Council
- Labour Party Speech by Councillor Liz Loughran. Labour Party
- Official Website of Performers College, Portslade. Performers College
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