Residents have expressed anger at plans for a private members’ club to install fencing and shrubbery which some claim would block a sea view from the public.
Soho House’s Brighton Beach House in Madeira Drive, Brighton, has submitted a planning application to the council to erect Art Deco “boundary treatment” to the northern side of the site between the upper deck buildings.
The plans would see tall plants, deep planters and spikey plants lining the northern boundary of the site, with a two-metre decorative entrance gate and curved fence also proposed.
The application form states: “The revised plans for the north elevation now propose a new bespoke railing and gate pattern influenced by early 20th-century style, in keeping with the approach taken for the redevelopment of this site.
“This is proposed to be limited in length, aligned to respect the form of the new development and set away from the existing listed railing to the north.
“This solution is considered acceptable to secure access to the property.”
However, several residents have complained about the proposals and said they go against the initial planning permission granted to the private members club.
One of the conditions made by the council is a visual ten-metre gap between the venue’s two buildings to maintain an unobstructed view.
The council’s decision to develop the site read: “A visual gap of ten metres shall be permanently maintained between the two permitted built structures on the upper tier level.
“The gap must remain permanently free of any visual obstruction.”
The reason given was to ensure the development complies with policies relating to building work within conservation areas in the city.
Comments submitted to the council said that the new plans would only benefit “a few affluent people” and that changes would be “to the detriment of all passers-by”.
One resident said: “I don’t see why locals and visitors alike should have to suffer a loss of view when the members could simply use the southern terrace and interior to the same effect.
“If this is approved, it sends a clear signal that the privileged few are more important to the council than the rate-paying local residents who will feel once again shut out.
“I have lived in Brighton my whole life and I’m happy to see investment in the city, but not to the exclusion of locals.”
Another resident, who lives directly opposite the gap between the two Soho House buildings, said he felt “completely let down by the planning inspectorate”.
They said: “Have some integrity and stop letting them just do what they want with impunity.”
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In its planning application, Soho House claims that the design “would enable views through to the sea.”
Brighton Beach House, located in a Grade II-listed terrace, is the first Soho House venue to open in Sussex.
Those wanting to become a member must pay an annual cost of up to £1,300, along with a one-off “house introduction fee” of up to £550.
A spokeswoman for Soho House said: “Most of our members live locally and working in partnership with the community is important to us.
“The proposed installation of the ornate slim metal profile gates and railing will preserve the sea view from Marine Parade.”
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