THE man who started a tent encampment on protected grass has said he will leave – if he is given a flat.

The 53-year-old, who goes by the name “Mr Dogg”, said he has been camping on Hove Lawns for two months.

With toilets and bins nearby, the area has proved popular with other homeless people and more tents are arriving on the grass each week.

Over the bank holiday weekend a party was held for someone who was leaving. Some revellers even took a yurt down to the lawns in a wheelbarrow.

Now the man who pitched the first tent on the lawns two months ago says he is ready to leave – but only if Brighton and Hove City Council can find him a flat which is also suitable for his two beloved dogs Piccolo and Cymro.

He said: “We’re keeping the area clean and there’s hardly any aggro.

“The council have come and stuck tickets on the tents three or four times. Some wonderful people staying in a hotel gave me a new tent with a note which said ‘thought you and your doggies need a bigger home’.

“If they ask me to leave I’ll say, ‘yeah, I’ll leave, but only if the council give me a flat’.”

There are at least eight tents, complete with a barbecue and camping chairs.

According to council documents, Hove Lawns is within the Seafront Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) Zone.

This means anyone occupying any vehicle, caravan, tent or other structure and is approached by an official must remove it within 12 hours.

Asked why the tents have not been moved under this order, a council spokeswoman said: “This is a complex legal matter and our teams are looking into this.

“We’ll provide more information as soon as possible.”

Green councillor Hannah Clare represents the Brunswick and Adelaide ward.

She said: “I have been contacted by a large number of concerned residents who are worried about the welfare of the occupants in the tents on Hove Lawns.

“The majority have raised their concerns about the welfare of occupants and the length of time there have now been tents on the lawns.

“Some residents have also raised concerns regarding anti-social behaviour and health and safety.

“We remain deeply concerned for the welfare and safety of anyone without more secure accommodation, which is why the Greens have been pushing the council to help find a sustainable solution for people rough sleeping.”