BUILDING work on a new entrance to Brighton’s historic Lanes will begin within months after the battle to save a historic shop was dealt its final fatal blow by a Government minister.

Minister Greg Clark decided against holding a planning inquiry over plans to demolish a 235-year-old shop in North Street, Brighton.

The news comes as a bitter blow to conservation groups who believed permission allowing the demolition of the Timpson shop would be “called-in” after national groups including Historic England backed their bid.

Business figures have welcomed the decision which allows work to begin on improved access to the first new lane to be built in 30 years as part of an £8 million project.

Brighton and Hove City Council granted permission in April to create the route into the new Hanningtons Lane. But because the shop, which has been in continuous use since the 1780s, is grade II-listed, the final decision ultimately rested with the minister.

Backers said it is desperately needed with the majority of visitors unable to locate the Lanes.

The scheme will also open up access to the currently land-locked 17th century Puget’s Cottage directly behind.

Work on the project is due to begin early next year.

Brighton and Hove Heritage Commissioner Roger Amerena, who had led the campaign to save the shop, said he was “disappointed” that the city was set to lose the oldest building in North Street.

He said: “It’s a disappointment but we tried - the building needed someone to champion it.”

Historic England wrote to the Government and said the shop should have been retained as a “rare remnant” of Brighthelmstone.

A spokesman said: “We did not consider it essential that this piece of the early history of Brighton had to be lost in order for the related development to go ahead.

“We will now work with Brighton and Hove City Council to ensure that the building is recorded before it is removed.”

John McLean, director at architects Morgan Carn Partnership who led on the scheme's design, said: “Our councillors and MPs listened to the ground swell of support from local residents and businesses and recognised the substantial public benefits that will come from the creation of the high quality new entrance that our world famous Lanes deserve.”

Ed Allison-Wright, acting for Brighton Square owners Centurion Group, said: “This is a win for local democracy and testament to what ‘localism’ is all about.

“Collectively, we can now look forward to the new owners, Redevco, unlocking one of the most interesting, historical gems of our city to the public, tourists and businesses alike.”

A Department for Local Government and Communities spokeswoman said: "Ministers have decided not to call in this planning application.

"Only a very small number of planning applications are called in to be decided by central government.”