Morning Briefing: reports of opposition to Brighton housing plans

In the news

The Times today runs a piece about opposition to housing plans in Brighton. The newspaper reports that “left-wing Labour figures” in the city are concerned about plans by the council to build 1,000 homes in partnership with housing association Hyde.

The report says the opposition has created fears that councillors backing the scheme could be deselected and that we could be seeing a “Haringey part II’ – a reference to opposition to a housing scheme in the north London borough of Haringey, which led to Labour councillors being deselected.

Inside Housing first reported on the plans by Brighton & Hove City Council and Hyde Housing in December 2016, when a £106m deal was agreed.

We reported that the scheme would involve a joint venture to build 1,000 homes, with half for rent linked to the National Living Rent. The report in The Times suggests that there are other factors as well which have led to opposition to the council, including plans to put the Brighton Pavillion and museums into a trust.

Speaking when the plans were approved in November, Elaine Bailey, chief executive of Hyde, said: “This is a true partnership between a housing association and a local authority that will make a difference to a tremendous number of people.

“Our shared and common goal is to create more homes for those excluded from the market."

The council approved the plans unanimously after they received cross-party support.

Also in The Times today, columnist Rachel Sylvester has accused Momentum activists of being “privileged, out of touch and patronising” and of scaremongering about the Haringey Development Vehicle scheme.

Ms Sylvester writes: “Campaigners against the development have no alternative proposal for dealing with the housing shortage that has left 3,000 families living in temporary accommodation.”

This follows a piece by Inside Housing editor Emma Maier last week warning that the Haringey saga must not curb the bold thinking and determination needed to tackle the housing crisis. We have also reported concerns from sector figures that the political climate is currently making it difficult to progress with estate regeneration plans.

Elsewhere today, The Guardian has a piece about the amount paid to accountancy firms by Carillion in the run up to its collapse.

The Sun reports that Prince Harry’s fianceé Meghan Markle made secret visits to comfort Grenfell Tower fire survivors. Inside Housing has today published a piece by Brendan Sarsfield, chief executive of Peabody, explaining how his housing association has gone about rehousing those who lost their homes in the fire.

The Daily Mail is reporting details of a ruling that means Travellers who set up camp on moorland in West Yorkshire are allowed to stay for three years.

On social media

Paul Hackett, chief executive of Optivo, is impressed by a massive development scheme in the United Arab Emirates:

Shows what can be achieved with vision, ambition and political will. UK needs a new generation of environmentally friendly new towns. #sustainability #ukhousing #millionhomes t.co/3oO92tUJBj

— Paul Hackett (@PaulHackett10)

Shows what can be achieved with vision, ambition and political will. UK needs a new generation of environmentally friendly new towns. #sustainability #ukhousing #millionhomes https://t.co/3oO92tUJBj

— Paul Hackett (@PaulHackett10) February 13, 2018

Alison Inman has confessed she needs lessons on how to take selfies:

Really rubbish selfie-action but a great night out with @TPASJenny and Mr D
Definitely need lessons from @CIHFutures pic.twitter.com/nd4mCCml6f

— Alison Inman (@Alison_Inman)

Really rubbish selfie-action but a great night out with @TPASJenny and Mr D
Definitely need lessons from @CIHFutures pic.twitter.com/nd4mCCml6f

— Alison Inman (@Alison_Inman) February 12, 2018