Anger rises over Royal Mail depot plans as dozens meet for protest

Dozens of protesters gathered to express their anger at controversial plans for a new Royal Mail distribution hub.

Around 100 people met at Village Barn in Patcham, Brighton, on Sunday for the demonstration against the company’s bid to acquire environmentally sensitive land at Patcham Court Farm and turn it into a depot.

Campaigners have warned of the impact the development could have on the city’s water supply and the effect it would have on the environment and traffic in the village.

They have called for the plan, which has gained more than 1,000 objections, to be scrapped.

Campaigners and residents gathered at the weekend (Image: Patcham Against Royal Mail)

Royal Mail’s plans were first made public in 2021 and the consultation period for residents and experts to provide objections, comments and questions has recently been re-opened to May 17.

During the demonstration, a statement from Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, was read expressing her support for campaigners.

Conservative councillors for Patcham and Hollingbury wards Alistair McNair and Anne Meadows were in attendance as well as Green party councillor Kerry Pickett from Preston Park ward.

Rebecca Kimber, co-lead of Patcham Against Royal Mail, said: “We are getting more and more support from people across the whole city who are worried about the significant flooding, pollution and safety risks attached to Royal Mail’s proposals for Patcham.

Campaigners say the plans could make flooding worse (Image: Patcham Against Royal Mail)

“People are very angry. Over 1,000 residents and experts have objected to the plans, we need the Labour administration to listen now and not sleepwalk into an industrial disaster zone.”

In January, drainage expert David Harris expressed fears that plans for the derelict farm site could bring the potential to make flooding much worse in Patcham.

Campaigners said that just yesterday flooding and sewage was spotted across Patcham, including in school fields, after some rain.

Water pooling in Patcham (Image: Patcham Against Royal Mail)

They say that the infrastructure is not fit for purpose as it is and a large-scale depot could make the flooding and sewage situation even worse.

Historical and conservation societies have also expressed concern that the centre will permanently change the face of Patcham village, a place renowned for being enclosed in a conservation area and home to many listed heritage buildings.

And there are fears Patcham will see an additional 250,000 journeys every year through the village with additional HGV movements, staff parking, red van fleet routes and customers coming to pick up parcels if plans are approved.

An artist’s impression of the first plans for the delivery office at Patcham Court Farm (Image: Royal Mail)

Royal Mail hit back at criticism in October, saying they have “listened to feedback from residents” and have made amendments to the proposal, which includes changing the planned entrance to the site.

The change will see HGVs enter via the A27 Patcham interchange and vehicles will only be able to exit via a right turn, “preventing them from entering and exiting Patcham”.

More protections for an aquifer, as well as added trees and plant life to reduce the building’s visual impact, have also been included in the amended proposal.

Royal Mail previously said the development is an “excellent opportunity to create a new environmentally-friendly and purpose-built delivery office”.