Council Investigation Launched Over Takeaway Voucher Bribery Claims Related to HMO Planning Application

Brighton and Hove City Council has started an inquiry into bribery claims. The claim ties a planning request by WSE Property Services Ltd to food vouchers given to tenants. These vouchers were said to come in return for kind words about a plan to turn a family home into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

Context of the Application

Directors John and Holly Wright submit the plan. They ask to change the property at 47 Eastbrook Road, Portslade into a five-bedroom HMO that can let up to six people stay there. This request is the second try by WSE Property Services for this change. The first plan, made in March last year, was pulled back soon after it was sent.

The council now checks the matter as some comments on its planning site raise concerns. People claim the comments come from tenants and say they got food vouchers to add kind remarks about the plan. The council keeps commenter names secret per its privacy rules. This rule makes some worry that the shield of privacy might be misused.

Details of the Allegations

Two hidden comments on the council website show the weight of the claims. One comment states, “As a current tenant of WSE Property Services Ltd, I have received a message from John Wright, the director. He asked me and other tenants to add kind comments in return for food vouchers. I can show proof to the committee if asked.” These words have led local officials to check the plan carefully.

Labour MP Chris Ward from Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven has asked the council to look into the matter. He points to an email from a well-informed local who wrote, “Keeping local processes honest matters, and actions like these must face a firm reply.”

Council Response

Labour councillor Liz Loughran, who leads the council’s Planning Committee, said the council expects all comments to be made in good faith. Councillor Loughran admitted that the claim is very serious. She said, “We do not share details about each plan, yet we know of these claims and we are checking them. When doubts arise over a comment, we take it down.”

Even if the council keeps names secret, it must keep a balance. The councillor added, “Remember, planning is not a vote. All comments, whether for or against, join a wider decision process.”

Community Reactions

The plan has stirred many local views. The council website shows 43 negative comments and nine positive ones.
Objectors worry about more traffic and parking woes in a busy area. One hidden resident fears that more people in one small house might stress the local pipes.

Supporters see the plan as meeting a need. They point out that students at the nearby Performers College struggle without nearby homes. One hidden supporter said, "Without a good home nearby, students must spend up to an hour on public transport. These students need such a home."

Conclusion

The council’s new inquiry makes us ask deep questions about the way property developers act and how local councils guard an honest process. Even if the claim is not proven, bribery ideas can shake trust in local plans. As this case grows, all sides must work with care. Developers, tenants, and the council must each act right to keep trust in the HMO market.

For those who watch the property field, this case is a timely note to think of clear and ethical actions in planning requests. Keeping up with local rules helps protect both investments and fair property care.

Sources

• Greatest Hits Radio – Takeaway voucher ‘bribery’ claim sparks council investigation
• Brighton and Hove City Council – Official Website
• Parliamentary records – Chris Ward MP