Plans Unveiled for New Viaduct-Inspired Flats on Arson-Hit Site

Developers aim to transform long-vacant, fire-damaged property into 15 apartments and a commercial space.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:22pm

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An abstract studio still life featuring a collection of smooth, polished materials in geometric shapes, conveying the idea of urban renewal and community revitalization through thoughtful redevelopment.A conceptual still life captures the premium materials and geometric forms that will define a new residential-commercial development, signaling a fresh start for a long-neglected urban site.Lewes Today

The new owners of a derelict former car showroom in Brighton's Lewes Road neighborhood have submitted plans to demolish the existing buildings and construct a four-story, 15-unit residential block with a ground-floor commercial space. The site has suffered from neglect, squatting, and multiple arson incidents over the past eight years, prompting the city council to pressure previous owners to secure the property.

Why it matters

This development represents an opportunity to revitalize a long-blighted property that has become a nuisance and safety concern for the surrounding community. The new design takes inspiration from the area's industrial railway heritage, aiming to create a visually striking addition that could help catalyze further investment and improvements along this key city thoroughfare.

The details

The proposed 15-unit residential building would feature a brick facade and rooftop terrace inspired by the nearby railway viaduct. The ground floor would house a single commercial space, potentially for a cafe, coffee shop, or bakery, while the upper floors would contain a mix of one- and two-bedroom flats, some with private balconies. No on-site parking is planned, but 24 secure bicycle spaces would be provided.

  • The site has remained vacant and derelict for approximately eight years.
  • In 2024, the city council wrote to the previous owners requesting they properly secure the property.
  • In 2020, the previous owners were granted planning permission to build nine flats on the site, but the project was never started and the permission expired in 2023.
  • Southdown Housing Association was also previously in negotiations to build supported accommodation on the property, but those plans were ultimately dropped due to rising construction costs.

The players

Fairstone Living Ltd

The new development company that has submitted plans to redevelop the long-vacant and fire-damaged site.

Jethro East

A representative from Fairstone Living Ltd who has filed the planning application for the new residential and commercial project.

John Blankson, Emmanual Blankson, and Mark Buckle

The previous owners of the property, who were granted planning permission in 2020 to build nine flats on the site, but never started construction.

Southdown Housing Association

A local housing provider that had been in negotiations to build supported accommodation on the property, but ultimately dropped those plans due to rising construction costs.

Brighton and Hove City Council

The local government authority that wrote to the previous owners in 2024 requesting they properly secure the derelict site, which had become a target for anti-social behavior and arson.

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What they’re saying

“The site itself has suffered from long-term neglect. Formerly occupied by a car sales garage, takeaway premises and residential flats, the buildings have remained vacant for approximately eight years and have gradually fallen into a state of significant dereliction.”

— Jethro East, Representative, Fairstone Living Ltd

“This application represents an opportunity to finally bring the site back into productive use through a carefully considered and deliverable scheme.”

— Jethro East, Representative, Fairstone Living Ltd

What’s next

The planning application will now be reviewed by Brighton and Hove City Council, with a decision expected in the coming months.

The takeaway

This redevelopment plan aims to transform a long-neglected and problematic site into a vibrant new residential and commercial hub, leveraging the area's industrial heritage to create a visually striking addition that could help spur further revitalization along this key city corridor.