Takeaway Voucher ‘Bribery’ Claim Sparks Council Investigation in Brighton
Background
Brighton and Hove City Council looks into strong claims. A local developer may give tenants takeaway vouchers. The vouchers come when tenants write kind comments on a planning application. The claims link to plans by WSE Property Services Ltd. John and Holly Wright run the company. They want to change 47 Eastbrook Road in Portslade. Their plan is to turn a family home into an HMO for six people.
This is not the first time the company has tried to change the property. The company pulled its former plan last year. That pull hints at lasting problems with getting permission.
The Allegations
Claims come from anonymous comments on the council site. Some words are from people who work for WSE Property Services. They say tenants were asked for kind words in return for takeaway vouchers. The council hides names and addresses. This gap makes people worry. It makes room for remarks without clear ties to a person.
Two anonymous comments clearly state:
“As a current tenant of WSE Property Services Ltd, I have received direct communication from John Wright, the company’s director, encouraging myself and other tenants to submit supportive comments in exchange for takeaway vouchers.”
The words show a view that the plan to gain easy support is not honest. This view weakens trust in the local system and its comment process.
Local Authority Response
Labour MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, Chris Ward, has called on the council to check the claims. He got emails and screenshots from people who worry about the matter. The MP said quick work is needed to keep planning safe.
Labour councillor Liz Loughran, who leads the council’s Planning Committee, said the council cares about honest planning remarks. She stated:
“We take seriously claims of people trying to influence the process. Where we have significant concerns over the validity of comments, we remove them.”
Councillor Loughran also told people that anyone may comment on plans. In her view, the words in the remarks matter more than the name of the writer.
Community Sentiment
The plan has split local views. The council site shows 43 negative comments and nine positive ones. Objectors fear more traffic, fewer parking spaces, and extra strain on local sewage and waste systems. They worry that more residents will stress the town’s services.
Supporters say the change will help students from nearby schools like the Performers College in North Street, Portslade. One supporter said the area needs better housing for students, especially women who now travel long distances.
Conclusion
The investigation into the alleged use of takeaway vouchers shows a fine gap between property change and local feelings. As the council checks the facts, the case may guide future plans for HMOs in Brighton and Hove. People who invest in property, especially HMOs, should watch how choices affect public opinion. This case reminds us that clear, fair steps help build trust between builders, the council, and local residents.
Sources:
- Brighton and Hove City Council
- Labour Party Communications
- Greater Brighton Metropolitan College
- Local Democracy Reporting Service
For more detailed insights on planning applications in Brighton and Hove, visit Brighton and Hove City Council’s Planning Department.
