About the Brighton Gasworks project

The 2-hectare former Gasworks site is next to the A259 coastal road and near Black Rock, Brighton Marina and East Brighton Park. The site is mainly used for storage but also contains 2 redundant gasometers and supporting gas infrastructure. 

The developer, St William is part of the Berkley Group. The Berkley Group was established to regenerate brownfield sites across the UK.  

A planning application was submitted late in 2021 for a mixed-use scheme redevelopment.  The proposal included 495 residential units and 2,791 square metres of commercial space.

A mix of building types was proposed, ranging from 3 to 12 storeys. The scheme included:

  • undercoft vehicle and cycle parking
  • landscaping
  • upgrades to the public realm adjoining the site

The application was refused by councillors at a special Planning Committee on 22 May 2024 for 3 reasons relating to:

  • the scale of the scheme being out of keeping with the area
  • the under-provision of large units in the housing mix
  • over-development resulting in poor living conditions for future residents

The developer appealed the refusal and a public inquiry was held in March 2025. The Secretary of State decided to review the appeal decision reached by the Planning Inspectorate. 

On the 22 September 2025, the Secretary of State issued the decision. The appeal was allowed and full costs have been awarded to the developer against the council. We have not received any details of the developer’s costs.