Conservation groups attack plans to demolish landmark Brighton building

3:18pm Monday 28th January 2008

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Plans to demolish a landmark building and replace it with flats and a GP surgery have been attacked by leading conservation groups.

English Heritage and the Victorian Society have criticised the proposals for the former Royal Alexandra children's hospital in Dyke Road, Brighton.

The scheme will see the Victorian structure torn down and replaced by more than 150 flats - 40 per cent of which would be "affordable homes" - a GP surgery with a pharmacy and a community green for public use.

But English Heritage, which gives historic buildings listed status, and the Victorian Society, which campaigns for the preservation of Victorian and Edwardian structures, have objected to the planning application.

In a letter to Brighton and Hove City Council, English Heritage warned the scheme would have an 'adverse effect' on the area and said the buildings were 'rather monolithic'.

English Heritage turned down a bid to have the buildings listed because of its many changes but believes the former hospital remains an important landmark.

Graham Steaggles, historic areas advisor, wrote: "The Royal Alexandra Hospital for Sick Children retains its impressive Queen Anne revival 1881 main facade.

"There have, however, been later additions and changes that compromise its overall architectural interest."

The Victorian Society has called for the building not to be knocked down.

Heliose Brown, conservation adviser for the society, said: "The Royal Alexandra Hospital is an attractive and well built part of the history of this area.

"It is still in fair condition and lends itself well to adaptation and so offers the possibility of a potentially exciting conversion project.

"The proposed replacement residential blocks are not of sufficiently remarkable design to warrant the destruction and waste of this historic building.

"The society strongly recommends that permission is not granted for its demolition."

A spokeswoman for developers Taylor Wimpey said: "Taylor Wimpey is continuing discussions on the design with Brighton and Hove City Council as part of the planning application process."

The building company has continued to argue that converting the building is not viable.

The firm said that even a partial conversion would mean forgoing a doctors' surgery and energy efficiency.

Roger Amerena, chairman of the Montpelier and Clifton Hill Association, is calling for a meeting with the council and developers to look again at the plans.

He said: "Not all the buildings can be retained but some should be.

"We would like a meaningful discussion between the community and the developers."

The Montpelier Surgery in Victoria Road has been identified as the GP practice that would move to the new development, as it will have to leave its current site in the next few years.

John Oliver, practice manager, said more than 1,700 people had signed a petition in support of the surgery moving and has urged people to write to the planning committee.

The planning application is still open to consultation and is likely to be discussed in March.

Tell us what you think about the proposals for the former Royal Alex below.