More time to consider the Royal Pavilion Garden application

Consideration of the planning application for the restoration of Royal Pavilion Garden due to be heard at committee on 8 May has been deferred.

The proposal for the Royal Pavilion Garden aims to secure the long-term sustainability of the city centre garden, providing a setting for visitors and residents to enjoy, but also enhancing the unique and international significant Regency architecture of the Royal Pavilion, Corn Exchange and Dome.

The plans for restoring the garden to its Regency splendour include:

• Restoration of the Regency planting and protection and promotion of local biodiversity
• New visitor and community facilities, more accessible information and increased community engagement opportunities
• Repairing, conserving and enhancing historic elements, including the garden entrances and pathways
• Reinstating the historic boundary based on the original 19th century railing designs.

Members of the Planning Committee were being asked to consider the historical significance of the Grade II listed garden and its use as public space, alongside details of the submission and the location in the city when making their decision on the application.

As a key project partner, the council has asked for consideration of the application to be deferred so further detailed designs around access to the garden can be prepared for the committee to review.

Council Leader Bella Sankey said: “The Royal Pavilion Garden is an area of major historical, cultural and economic significance. It’s also a much-loved and well-used space in the heart of the city centre which residents and visitors want to continue to enjoy.

“It’s really important that we get the balance right and the current plans are not clear enough about how we’ll ensure ongoing 24 hour access to the garden for the public. 

“We’ll work with our partners at Brighton & Hove Museums to make sure more detailed designs are put together so that all partners are in agreement around 24 hour garden access and there’s no uncertainty for the planning committee around what that looks like.”

A revised planning application for the Royal Pavilion Garden, which will include more detailed designs, will be brought back to a future planning committee.

The project is part of a wider plan developed by the council to enhance the Royal Pavilion Estate as a key cultural destination. Phase One of this plan, the refurbishment of the Grade I listed Corn Exchange and Grade II listed Studio Theatre was completed in 2023. The garden restoration is Phase Two of these plans.

The council and Brighton & Hove Museums have already secured £4.3 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for this work.