A CONTROVERSIAL application to build 242 flats in Brighton has been defended after it was approved by the council.

The homes will now be built on a triangle of land between the A27 and Coldean Lane as part of a joint venture between the city council and Hyde housing association.

Hundreds of people objected to the scheme for two seven-storey and four six-storey buildings before it was approved.

But a councillor has said the new low-cost homes will be innovative and eco-friendly.

John Allcock, chairman of Brighton council’s housing committee, said the city is in “urgent need” of affordable homes like those planned.

He said: “Alongside our commitment to speed up the delivery of new rented council homes, Homes for Brighton and Hove is a key part of our plans to increase the supply of genuinely affordable homes in the city.

“This is a clear priority for us and it’s very exciting to see the first proposals from the partnership taking such a significant step forward.

“It will be the largest single development of 100 per cent affordable housing in the city for a generation.

“Joining forces with Hyde allows us to speed up the delivery of new low cost homes and look at sites neither of us would be able to do as effectively alone.

“We’ve listened to residents and understand their concerns about both the challenges the benefits this development will have on the local community.”

Half of the homes will be available for residents on the council housing register to rent.

The other half will be shared-ownership homes, meaning prospective buyers can purchase a share of a house before choosing to buy more of it at a later date.

The new organisation is aiming to build 1,000 low-cost homes in the city.

Changes made to the Coldean Lane plans after a consultation with residents include increasing parking spaces to 162 and creating more green space.

The height of the blocks and the number of flats was reduced after concerns about views from the South Downs being restricted.

The development’s environmental credentials have also been touted by Brighton council.

An ancient woodland will remain untouched and almost a hectare of nearby forest will be managed to conserve the trees.

More than a hectare of chalk grassland will also be planted to offset the habitats lost by the development.

As part of the planning application submitted, £500,000 will also be spent on nearby parks.