Royal Albion Brighton hotel fire: Concerns for Grade II* listing

The west wing of the old hotel building in King's Road, Brighton has been completely gutted in the fire. 

But heritage conservationists have raised concerns about the facade of the building which is Grade II listed. 

Roger Amerena, chairman of Brighton and Hove Heritage Commission and a member of the Regency Society, said the lifting and demolition "should not occur" until a "detailed study" of the facade has taken place. 

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He told The Argus: "The Grade II listed rear facing the sea is very important. 

"There is a slate plaque commemorating William Ewart Gladstone who often stayed in the hotel."

William Ewart Gladstone stayed at the hotel regularly (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

Mr Gladstone was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for 12 years in the late nineteenth century. 

The hotel was known as Lion Mansions Hotel then. 

Yesterday an East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman confirmed that original plans to demolish the hotel on Sunday evening had been postponed. 

Demolition vehicles have been arriving at the scene this morning.