College Conservation Area character statement approved

Councillors have approved a new Character Statement for the College Conservation Area.

The Culture, Heritage, Sport, Tourism & Economic Development Committee members agreed the statement at their meeting on 18 January 2024, after considering the results of last year’s public consultation.

The aim of the character statement is to define the features of the area that are of architectural or historic interest and the character and appearance which should be preserved or enhanced.

Guiding those involved in development and change

Councillor Alan Robins, Chair of the Culture, Heritage, Sport, Tourism & Economic Development Committee said: “This character statement provides an important account of the special architectural and historic interest of the area. I would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation last year.

“The statement is intended to guide those involved in development and change in the College area. It will assist in the area’s protection and management.

“Planning controls are tighter in conservation areas and this statement will be used to assess future local planning proposals.”

The College Conservation Area

The College Conservation Area is centred around the buildings and grounds of Brighton College, who’s original buildings date back to the mid-nineteenth century.

It is bounded on the southwest by Eastern Road and the northwest by Sutherland Road and most of College Terrace. It extends to Canning Street to the northeast and includes all of Walpole Road and Walpole Terrace to the southeast, as well as including the western end of Belle Vue Gardens.

Consultation responses praised

75 responses were received during the statement consultation in October and November 2023. The key issues raised by residents were associated with some of the operational aspects of the school, including anti-social parking, traffic congestion and coach parking.

Concerns were also expressed about whether the statement would favour Brighton College in terms of the further development of education buildings. Members heard that the character statement cannot encourage or prevent the purchase of properties by any organisation.

With respect to the traffic and parking concerns, the Committee were told that while these were not directly relevant to the character statement, planning officers had informed the council’s Parking Strategy team who will liaise with the College to help address these matters.

Councillor Robins has also suggested that local councillors work with residents and the school to help resolve any issues. 

During the consultation, the Conservation Advisory Group suggested that the statement could include a section on street furniture to recognise the importance of the nineteenth century lamp posts. The statement was amended to include this.