While we welcome the proposals to redevelop Preston Barracks, we are objecting to the big increase in car parking on traffic and air pollution grounds. Nearby roads already suffer above legal limits for nitrogen dioxide and this development could make things worse. It’s likely that levels of nitrogen dioxide will take longer to fall below legal limits and therefore the development could be illegal as it currently stands. High Court rulings have stressed the need to reduce levels of air pollution “as soon as possible”. The planning application is being decided on Wednesday 27th September by the City Council.
It is somewhat ironic that the University of Brighton is behind a development that will increase air pollution. Apart from the fact that it actively promotes its green credentials, its vice chancellor was recently warning of the need to urgently tackle air pollution. At the same time its academics have done groundbreaking work in this field and have strongly criticised the Government’s poor response to the whole issue.
It’s time the University put its money where its mouth is. This is a much needed and welcome development in many ways, let down by an out of date approach to transport. It is quite easy to resolve. Cap the car parking at current levels for the whole site. That way traffic levels and pollution will not be made worse and public health will not be at risk.
If a university with air pollution experts cannot get it right, what hope is there for the rest of us?
Currently in Brighton & Hove there are around 175 premature deaths due to air pollution, mostly due to traffic. For most pollutants there are no known safe levels.
Brighton & Hove Friends of the Earth 
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