Hotel, homes, shops and a new lane agreed for The Lanes in Brighton

Planners have agreed a scheme for shops, homes, offices and a 26-room boutique hotel in the heart of The Lanes in Brighton.

The scheme will also create a new lane behind the old Hannington’s department store.

The first big development of the area since the 1960s, updating Brighton Square, was approved by Brighton and Hove City Council at Hove Town Hall this afternoon (Wednesday 11 December).

The council’s Planning Committee approved a scheme that will lead to creation of a pedestrian shopping lane between Brighton Place and Meeting House Lane.

And a long-hidden 17th century building, Puget’s Cottage, will be visible for the first time in decades and preserved.

The scheme is the work of two landowners, Centurion Group and the RBS Global Restructuring Group.

Centurion director Ed Allison-Wright said: “I’m delighted that we not only had a successful result from the Planning Committee this afternoon but a unanimous vote of approval.

“Together with our neighbouring landlords, RBS Global Restructuring Group, we have been working hard with council planning officers and key local stakeholders over the past 18 months to bring this scheme forward with our architects Morgan Carn Partnership.

“I’m pleased both as a stakeholder in the scheme and as a Brighton and Hove resident that we can now look forward to a much-needed major regeneration of the heart of The Lanes.”

Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, chairman of the Planning Committee, said: “In many ways The Lanes tells the story of how Brighton and 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.”

The developers worked with Brighton architects Morgan Carn on six separate applications as part of an overall master plan for the area.

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.

The new shopping lane will include 14 shops or restaurants, with seven homes above and two floors of office space.

Some buildings in Brighton Square will be demolished to create the boutique hotel and a new four-storey building with a ground-floor shop and 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.