Plans for former Brighton Amex site set for nod

Plans to create a mixed-use development at the site of the former American Express headquarters in Brighton look set to be approved.Developer First Base acquired the former Amex House on Edward Street with Patron Capital in September 2017.The site was cleared last year following the move of American Express to a new base on nearby John Street.The application proposes a four to eight-storey building featuring 168 residential units and 179,585 sq ft of commercial floorspace, as well as 19,805 sq ft of ancillary/plant storage space and 11,625 sq ft of flexible floorspace for commercial and/or retail use or residential communal space.The project is known as Edward Street Quarter and is recommended for approval at a Brighton & Hove City Council planning committee meeting later today (18th July 2018).Those who have voiced concerns include Historic England, the Brighton Society and the Regency Society.Approval is subject to a number of conditions, including the completion of a section 2016 agreement.The heads of terms of the section 2016 agreement include a 20 per cent affordable housing quota, as well as a £176,426 contribution towards pedestrian crossings, public transport and highways improvements.