At its meeting on 16 June the Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee agreed a new Character Statement to define the special architectural and historic interest of the Brunswick Town Conservation Area.
The statement will help inform future planning decisions and form the basis for the area’s future management. It includes an action plan to tackle issues affecting buildings, open spaces and public realm.
The finest in the UK
Brunswick Town has been described as one of the finest examples of Regency architectural styling and urban planning in the United Kingdom.
The Conservation Area includes the late Regency period and early Victorian planned estates of Brunswick Town, Adelaide Crescent and Palmeira Square, which were developed between 1824 and 1860.
The 39-hectare area, bordered to the south by the seafront and Hove Lawns, and to the north by Western Road, contains over 550 individual listed properties. This includes over 100 listed at Grade I and 40 at Grade II*.
Consultation
The draft character statement was developed following engagement with ward councillors, local amenity and residents’ groups, and local businesses between December 2021 and January 2022.
A formal consultation was then undertaken for 5 weeks from 30 March to 4 May 2022.
The comments received were largely positive and the document was complimented by the Conservation Advisory Group, the Brunswick Town Association and Hove Civic Society.
A strong majority of respondents agreed that the draft character statement accurately captured the special character and appearance of the conservation area. Concerns about the maintenance and upkeep of the public realm and open spaces, particularly Hove Lawns and the seafront, were also highlighted.
Recommendations regarding Brunswick Town’s buildings
The existing controls are considered sufficient for future management of change, and no further controls were recommended.
However, in addition to the listed and locally listed buildings in the area which enjoy protection, a large number of buildings were identified which are not designated at a local or national level, but are considered to be ‘positive’ buildings, contributing to the character and appearance of Brunswick Town.
The Statement recommends that harmful changes to these buildings should be resisted. This would protect against alteration or loss of features through, for example, the replacement of windows or doors, or the use of roofing materials not typical in the area.
Open and public spaces
The statement sets out the opportunity to restore lost landscaping features and increase diverse planting. It also addresses on-street parking, communal street bins, street furniture and regular repainting challenges essential to preserve the appearance of the area.
Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, Leader of the council and a ward councillor for Brunswick & Adelaide, said: “A good understanding of what makes a conservation area special is key to its continued conservation.
“Brunswick Town Conservation Area is often described as one of the most important in the country, so it is incredibly important that we continue to take care of this beautiful area. This character statement helps to do just that.”
View the full Character Statement.