The Station Site update

Since the Brighton Bits post on 20th July there has been some action on the yet unopened "Greenway" on the Station Site. A Council spokesman says:-

"It is disappointing for residents that the opening of the Greenway has been delayed. This is because Network Rail, a key landowner, has formally to agree access across part of its land, including the Grade II listed bridge crossing New England Road, for the public to use the Greenway. The council is involved in ongoing negotiations with Network Rail in order to obtain the necessary licence and we are hopeful that it will be achieved in the next few weeks without the need to take legal action.”

A full report can be read on the Prestonville Postblog. More photos can be seen on the Prestonville Postblog facebook page.

It seems there is room for cautious optimism.

The changing face of Kingsway update

Councillor Lynda Hyde, Chair of the Planning Committee, has written to the Argus concerning three of the properties mentioned in the earlier Brighton Bits post "The changing face of Kingsway". She says:-

"Regarding Lawnscroft, the former nursing home, Brighton and Hove City Council’s officers have been in contact with the owners of the property who have agreed to demolish the building by the end of this month and begin implementing their approved planning permission.

Enforcement officers have also been in touch with the owners of the properties at 149-151 Kingsway. Following a recent refusal for planning permission, we are asking the owners to improve the appearance and condition of these properties.

If improvements are not made to the appearance of these sites, the council may take formal action."

The A27

Modern roads come in for a lot of opposition and criticism, notwithstanding that our lives are very dependent on them, and the Brighton bypass, when first built, was like a raw wound on the Downs. It has now been largely assimilated by them and some sections even provide a measure of aesthetic satisfaction. It is interesting to contrast roads with Victorian railway lines which strived to follow the straightest, most level route between two points. We now regard some of these as real assets to the landscape. In 100 years time or so, and assuming the triumph of carbon-free motoring, will our descendants look with equal regard at the free-flowing swoops & curves of some of our major roads and motorways?

The Daddy Longlegs Railway

During a recent low tide the remains of the track bed of the Rottingdean Railway were revealed; curving in to the Banjo Groyne, where it used to terminate.

 This photo was probably taken with the Pioneer, as the car was called, travelling away from the Banjo Groyne with a following wind. Top speed was 8mph but it was dependent on the tide and more often hardly walking pace was achieved. 

It ceased operation in 1900 due, it seems, to the non-cooperative attitude of the Corporation who wanted the line diverted further out to sea in order to build new groynes.

Chinese Flame Tree

A spectacularly fruiting Koelreuteria bipinnata in the Pavilion Gardens this week. Deciduous tree, native to China (as the name suggests, but it doesn't always follow). Said to like hot summers. Sign of the times maybe? Click on picture for an enlarged view and the 3-lobed paper lantern-like fruit can be distinguished. Each contains a seed 5 - 10mm long which will gradually harden.