RESIDENTS in Hove protested today against controversial plans to redevelop a synagogue.

The Hove Action Group gathered outside Hove Town Hall just before a planning meeting where councillors will decide whether to approve the development.

The Bloom Foundation plans to redevelop the existing synagogue site on New Church Road into a new complex including 45 homes and an underground car park.

Brighton and Hove City Council planners recommended the development for approval, supported by the Brighton and Hove Hebrew Community.

But Hove Action Group says the plans will lead to “a development free-for-all” and “destroy the face of Brighton and Hove forever” if they are approved.

A spokesperson said: “This is not an inclusive development for the entire community.

“There is no social housing, they are killing protected trees, it does not fit in with the local area, and it is overbearing and far too dense for the small area proposed.

“If this gets passed it will set a precedent for all developers to ignore the local community.”

More than 1,000 people took part in the council’s consultation, with over 700 opposing the plans.

But a spokesman for developer said the new scheme would “bring enormous value to the Brighton and Hove community”.

He said: “Promoting its values of education, community, and social cohesion, the

foundation’s vision is to build facilities open to the entire local community, while, at the same time, revitalising Jewish life in the city.

“The project team have consulted widely in the local community, gained expert

opinions, conducted a significant number of in-depth impact assessments, and modified the plans as a result.

“The project will bring numerous benefits to Brighton and Hove, including £25m in capital investment, 45 new homes, 30 local jobs and an annual contribution to the local economy of £1.3m.”

The redevelopment includes ten houses at the back of the plot as well as four, five and six-storey buildings with 35 flats, a nursery, classrooms and a kosher café.

The new synagogue would be a single-storey building at the back of the plot.

Five homes will be classed as “affordable” and be offered for rent through a Jewish housing association.