Brighton's Soho House responds to criticism of fencing plans

Soho House’s Brighton Beach House has submitted a planning application to erect Art Deco-style “boundary treatment” to the northern side of the site, which faces Marine Parade.

The proposals include plans for a new glazed screen, deep planters with tall plants, and a two-metre-high decorative metal fence and entrance gate.

The plans had caused anger among some residents amid concerns that the new gate would block off the sea view from the road.

Comments submitted to the council about the application said the plans would only benefit “a few affluent people” and that the changes would be “to the detriment of all passers-by”.

The area along Marine Parade would have new fencing and plants installed, if the plans are approved by the council (Image: The Argus)

However, Soho House said that the erection of the fence and gate would “preserve the sea view”.

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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In the application form, Soho House outlined in greater detail the plans for the fencing.

It 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.”

An artists' impression of what the proposal would look like (Image: Brighton and Hove City Council)

Comments submitted to the council raised concerns that the proposal would go against initial planning permission granted to the private members’ club back in 2015, which demanded a visual ten-metre gap between the venue’s two buildings to maintain an unobstructed view of the seafront.

Comments can be made on the application by searching for BH2023/00935 on the council’s website.

Membership of Soho House can cost up to £1,300 a year, with a one-off “house introduction fee” of up to £550.