Councillors have agreed to drop a requirement for increased biodiversity at the Royal Pavilion because it would mean having to plant more than 100 extra trees in the grounds.
Members of Brighton and Hove City Council’s Planning Committee unanimously backed removing the condition attached to the planning permission for a revamp of the grade II* Royal Pavilion Gardens.
The planning permission was granted in August last year and allowed the removal of modern trees and hedges with the aim of restoring the original views created by the Royal Pavilion’s architect, John Nash.
Some replacement trees are planned but the original planning condition required a 10 per cent increase in biodiversity within 30 years of the changes to the gardens.
This was estimated to require the planting of 148 trees, negating the “long-term heritage and cultural benefits” of the restoration.
Brighton and Hove Independent councillor Mark Earthey asked whether the condition helped to preserve the heritage.
Councillor Earthey said: “He’s got an early 19th or late 18th century view of this. And if we … insist there are going to be a lot more trees, we are fundamentally changing John Nash’s vision. Is that what we’re looking to achieve here?”
“Do we have an obligation to uphold the original vision of the architect from 200 years ago or are we imposing a 21st century view of the environment on the 19th century design.”
Labour councillor Alison Thomson, who chairs the Planning Committee, told the meeting at Hove Town Hall today (Wednesday 1 October) that the proposals were a cause of conflict when the application went through last year.
Councillor Thomson said: “Personally, I found it really upsetting that so many trees were going to be cut down to guard or reinstate the vision. We’re now in the 21st century and would rather have trees than vision.”
Labour councillor Julie Cattell said that the only change would be a couple of words in the conditions.
Councillor Cattell said: “We know we’ve got a world-class heritage site here. It’s known all over the world. Why would we refuse this?”
Conservative councillor Carol Theobald said that she did not like the loss of trees and wanted the gardens to be locked at night but there had been no objections.
Councillor Theobald said: “I’ve been around that way a few times recently and the gardens look an absolute mess so this would be an improvement.”
The Royal Pavilion and Museums Trust secured £4.4 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to revamp the Pavilion Gardens and public toilets.
Councillor Theobald added: “I wouldn’t like to lose the money on this so hopefully this will go through today.”
Work has already started on the changes which also involve removing the bench in New Road and, controversially, installing railings around the grounds.
Comments are closed.