Campaign to save Brighton’s Rose Hill Tavern from developers gathers pace

Community campaigners have smashed a petition target as they look to save a historic Victorian Brighton pub from being turned into flats.

The Rose Hill Tavern in Rose Hill Terrace, off London Road, Brighton, has been used as a place for locals to congregate for more than 140 years.

But, after owner Enterprise Inns revealed it was looking to sell the premises, the community pulled together in an effort to register the historic pub as a community asset.

In about a week, it has attracted more than five times the number required to apply to Brighton and Hove City Council for the special status.

If successful, it would be the first pub in in the city to be registered as a community asset – meaning any sale would be held up for six months giving locals time to raise enough money to buy the site themselves.

According to the petition, which has more than 100 signatures: “This pub is a 144 year old ale house with the original United Ales and Stout green frontage, and stained glass windows.

“It’s important due to its age and importance to the community at large.

“We are losing pubs on a daily basis, and the public need to help stop this.

“We need to help protect our small community based pub, rather than supporting the large chains.”

The property has been listed with a valuation of £350,000 with “potential for residential conversion”.

A petition to get the 21 signatures needed to begin the community asset process was reached within days.

To add your signature, visit http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/right-hon-eric-pickles-mp-protect-the-rose-hill-tavern-brighton.