Brighton’s Lanes to get modern addition
Brighton’s historic Lanes will benefit from their first major redevelopment since the sixties with the creation of a new ‘Lane’ behind the former Hannington’s department store.
The city’s planning committee today (Wednesday, 11 December) approved the plans, which also include new retail units, homes, offices and a 26 room hotel.
One of the area’s gems, the 17th century Puget’s Cottage, hidden for decades behind an electricity sub-station and another building, will also be uncovered as part of the development and preserved.
Councillor Phelim Mac Cafferty, chair of the city’s planning committee, said: “In many ways The Lanes tells the story of how Brighton & Hove changed from fishing village to seaside resort. The narrow streets and twittens reflect the passageways of centuries ago and the buildings have grown up around them.
“Now The Lanes are set to benefit from a 21st century Lane in an ambitious development that combines new building with a respect for the old. It will create jobs and homes and ensure The Lanes remain a top visitor attraction. Puget’s Cottage is one of the oldest buildings in Brighton and will be brought into public view for the first time in decades.
“The development will also reduce the area’s carbon footprint as the new buildings will have features such as communal heating systems, solar panels, energy-efficient materials and lighting, rainwater harvesting and recycling facilities.”
Developers have been working with local architects Morgan Carn on six separate applications as part of an overall ‘master plan.’ The plan aims to revive and enhance an area in The Lanes currently dominated by an unsightly service yard and a hotchpotch of modern buildings. The site was once part of the Hannington’s store which closed in the early 2000s.
Plans for a new pedestrian shopping lane from Meeting House Lane to Brighton Place also include the creation of 14 new retail or eating outlets, with seven homes above and two floors of office space.
Some buildings in Brighton Square will be demolished to create a boutique hotel and a new four storey building to provide retail with three flats above.
Permission was also granted to build an additional storey on buildings in Brighton Square to create seven three-storey town houses. The square will be renovated, with refurbished shop fronts and new planting, including four silver birch trees.
Because of the historic nature of the site, which lies on top of an ancient raised beach, archaeological excavations will take place and be recorded.
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