Sleep Three to a Bed to Afford Build to Rent Scheme in Brighton

A good case study in how not to answer Cllrs Questions at Committee Brighton and Hove News

On the refusal of the Sackville Trading estate Scheme Hove

Labour councillor Gill Williams commended developer Moda Living for paying the Brighton and Hove living wage but asked if people on that wage could afford homes there.

Moda director James Blakey said yes, adding that “per bedroom rates” worked out at £354 a month and the company did not ask for deposit.

Rent would include access to the gym, internet and reduced electricity costs, he told the Planning Committee.

Former Labour council leader Daniel Yates asked how much it would cost for a unit rather than per bedroom.

Mr Blakey said that a one-bedroom flat would be rented for about £1,250 a month, a two-bedroom flat for £1,600 and a three-bedroom flat for £2,100.

Councillor Yates said that people would have to sleep three to a bed to afford it – and with 25 per cent off it would still not be affordable.