Historic parks and gardens

You are here: Home | Planning | Heritage | Historic parks and gardens

Historic Parks and Gardens

The Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England is maintained by English Heritage on behalf of the Government. These are designed landscapes that are considered to be of national importance. They are graded according to their quality and importance as Grade I, II* and II in descending order.

In Brighton & Hove, the following parks and gardens are currently listed:-

• Stanmer Park (including the farmland estate and Coldean Wood) Grade II 
• Kemp Town Enclosures (including Dukes Mound) Grade II
• Queens Park Grade II
• The Royal Pavilion Estate Grade II
• Preston Manor grounds, including Preston Park and The Rookery Grade II
• Woodvale Cemetery Grade II 

They do not enjoy any additional legal protection but are designated heritage assets as set out in the Government's Planning Policy Statement 5: Planning for the Historic Environment. Consequently, the effect of any proposed development on the significance a registered park or garden or its setting is a material consideration in the determination of a planning application.

The adopted Brighton & Hove Local Plan contains a policy HE11 that states:-

Planning permission will not be granted for proposals that would harm the historic structure, character, principle components or setting of an area included in the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England.

Where feasible, the council will seek the removal of structures and uses that detract from the special historic interest of these historic parks and prepare plans to restore them. New landscaping, planting and other works within these parks should respect their historic landscape design and seek to preserve and enhance their character.

Visit the City Parks web page.