3 weeks Ago
Plans to build a "mini skyscraper" new residential block in a village centre have prompted strong reactions from residents. The proposal involves transforming a former Halfords tyre centre on Keymer Road, Hassocks, into 26 new homes, with commercial spaces on the ground floor. This planning application, submitted to Mid Sussex District Council, has been made on behalf of Star Garages (Brighton) Ltd, who has owned the garage at 60 Keymer Road for more than 35 years.
Recently, the building was vacated by Halfords, leaving it unoccupied. The plans suggest a mixed-use redevelopment, with the ground floor earmarked for commercial or community use, and the upper floors for residential purposes. It is suggested the commercial space could potentially house shops, cafés, or offices, though the proposal also mentions the possibility of relocating Hassocks Library to the new site, subject to approval from West Sussex County Council.
The ground floor would house commercial units (Image: Bowen & McLachlan Architects) The residential aspect of the development includes a mix of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments. Each home would have private external space, in addition to communal external amenity space. The site plans to provide 31 parking spaces.
However, the proposed development has met with significant opposition from locals. At the time of writing, 34 public objections have been lodged, with no letters in support of the plans. READ NEXT: Proposals to turn former sweet shop into a takeaway spark mixed reaction The objections predominantly focus on the size of the proposed building, with many fearing it will overshadow the village's existing structures.
There are also concerns about parking. One objector wrote: "I strenuously object - a gross overdevelopment of the site which would dominate smaller, traditional buildings in the village. "It would tower over both nearby homes and public areas.
" The current site, which has been unoccupied since 2023 (Image: Google) Another resident expressed concern about the impact on their property, writing: "Our house and garden will receive less direct sunlight in the morning, creating a more shaded and colder area for our property." Others criticised the design of the building, with one saying: "The proposed design has no architectural merit," while another described it as "a total eyesore." One resident said: "When I saw the plans I was shocked and horrified to see it was four stories high! "No other building in the area is above three stories.
It would absolutely ruin the look of high street." READ NEXT: National Trust bans coaches from one of county's most popular tourist spots Another objector added: "We are not New York. We do not need a mini skyscraper in essentially a Victorian village.
" Summing up the general sentiment, one resident said: "The proposed building is a monolith that is not remotely sympathetic to the existing architecture of Keymer Road." The plans can be viewed using reference DM/25/0484..
