AGHAST: our story so far

AGHAST organised its first public meeting in summer 2020, and since then we have been busy! There has been a lot to learn about running a campaign, not to mention navigating a steep science and policy learning curve. Our group of volunteers have taken part in extensive discussions and research to grow our collective understanding of what the development of this site will involve, while reaching out to local residents and other Brighton based groups to seek their support.

Campaign highlights:

AGHAST has joined forces with other UK-wide communities living alongside proposed gasworks developments to form Gasworks Communities United (GCU). In December GCU held an online conference featuring contributions from experts with knowledge of air pollution and soil remediation (for video and presentations of the event see: https://gasworkscommunities.co.uk).

Our MP, Lloyd Russell-Moyle, who has advised AGHAST throughout, is setting up a meeting for GCU with MP’s and Geraint Davies MP who heads the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Air Pollution.

Councillor Nancy Platts set up a Zoom Q&A where AGHAST was able to raise concerns with the developer, St William. Councillor Bridget Fishleigh is supporting our discussions, as members of the public, with the Planning Department.

AGHAST has taken a deputation about soil contamination/air pollution to a meeting of the Full Council and followed up on their response. In addition, we've drawn up a list of questions to take to other meetings before the Spring – there are issues we want to raise and questions to check out!

We have also commissioned experts in planning and remediation to advise us and underpin the campaign with science and a deep understanding of policy, but we are still seeking an expert on air pollution. Through the Autumn, we ran a Crowdfunding campaign to raise initial funds to pay for this expertise.

Experts in planning and remediation are being commissioned to underpin the campaign with a deep understanding of planning policy and science. AGHAST is currently seeking an expert on air pollution and we have launched a Crowdfunder campaign to cover costs. So far AGHAST has raised £1,665.00 (after deductions) and we would like to thank all those who have contributed. We will need to raise further, significant funds to engage the experts we need to fight for a safe development in keeping with the local environment. If you can contribute, please click on the link below.

We are working with Brighton Community Land Trust and other groups to develop an alternative vision for the site that can respond to Brighton's housing need without putting the health and wellbeing of the East Brighton community at risk.

Ongoing poster and leafleting campaigns, as well as an active social media campaign, are keeping our community informed.

If you've any questions about our work, please get in touch. ✉️

We'll update this page regularly with our recent actions.