A £15 million plan to transform a forgotten corner of a historic part of Brighton has been given unanimous backing.

Brighton-based developer Centurion Group and West Register, part of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group, have spent the past 18 months drawing up plans for a scheme in the heart of The Lanes.

The centrepiece will be the creation of the area’s first new lane for more than 30 years and the “liberation” of a “lost” 17th Century building.

Despite a last-minute listing of two properties, the revised plans received unanimous backing from Brighton and Hove City Council’s planning committee yesterday.

MORE:

Ed Allison-Wright, of Centurion Group, said: “I’m delighted that we not only had a successful result but a unanimous vote of approval.

“I’m pleased both as a stakeholder in the scheme and as a Brighton and Hove resident that we can now look forward to a much-needed major regeneration of the heart of Brighton’s Lanes.”

The scheme, which had to be dealt with in six separate planning applications, focuses on Brighton Square and a yard behind the former Hannington’s department store in North Street.

It includes the revamp of the square as well as the creation of shops, offices, town houses and a 26-room boutique hotel leading to 115 new jobs.

A new lane will also link Meeting House Lane with Brighton Place, behind North Street.

But after a late 17th Century building known as Puget’s Cottage received Grade II listed status earlier this year, developers had to scrap demolition plans.

Instead the property, which was hidden behind an electricity sub-station, will be worked into the scheme.

In a statement issued after the meeting, the council’s planning committee chairman Phelim MacCafferty said: “In many ways The Lanes tells the story of how Brighton and Hove changed from fishing village to seaside resort.

“The narrow streets and twittens reflect the passageways of centuries ago and the buildings have grown up around them.

“Now The Lanes are set to benefit from a 21st Century Lane in an ambitious development that combines new building with a respect for the old.

“It will create jobs and homes and ensure The Lanes remain a top visitor attraction.”