Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour has won his planning battle to move a historic memorial cross near his £3 million seafront mansion.
Despite local opposition when proposals to extend a canoe store were first submitted, planners have given the musician the go-ahead to move the six-foot Victorian monument.
It is part of wider plans by Mr Gilmour and wife Polly Samson, who moved to the area in 2009, to transform outbuildings near their six-storey home in Medina Terrace, Hove.
But critics have said the decision, which was near unanimous, throws into question Brighton and Hove City Council’s commitment to preserving local history.
Valerie Paynter, of campaign group SaveHove, said: “David Gilmour did a wonderful job on restoring his home in Medina Terrace.
“But he is merely passing through, as we all are, and both the studio and his home have a future beyond his years and ownership.
“Local history and the valuing of it, trumps the need for a bigger boat store along a wall whose ownership remains a question.”
Verner monument
The controversy centred on a white monument to Wilford Cole Verner, who served in the Royal Fusiliers and died aged 26.
He was the younger brother of Ida Constance Verner, who used to live in nearby Victoria Terrace and used the buildings as an art studio.
The cross, which is at the far end of the development site, is currently embedded in the boundary wall with Medina Terrace.
When planning permission was approved to convert the former workshop last January it was agreed to keep it in place.
But a further application was submitted by Hoveco, which has Mr Gilmour listed as a director, to move it in November.
It was approved by the council’s cross-party planning committee.
Consecrated land
Denise Cobb, the only councillor who voted against the plans, said she believed more work should be done to find out if the cross marked a grave.
Coun Cobb said: “I do not think it should have been moved without us knowing more about why it was put there in the first place.
“I do not believe on building on consecrated land.”
Lynda Hyde, deputy chairman of the planning committee, said: “The committee was satisfied the cross would be safe in the new position.
“It will also be inset into the wall for added protection.
“The applicant has agreed to reinstate the inscription which is currently difficult to read and generally clean up the cross which will be an improvement.”
See the latest news headlines from The Argus:
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel