Row over canopy installation at The Reading Room in Brighton

Brighton and Hove City Council has opened an enforcement case regarding an alleged breach of planning control at the Reading Room café on Madeira Drive.

Owner Karl Jones is now seeking retrospective planning permission and listed building consent for the changes, which include fabric canopies and two small kitchen and bar units installed at the front of the Grade II-listed building.

The Reading Room in Brighton, featuring the contested canopies (Image: Lewis and Co)

The building, designed by architect William Kendall as part of the early 19th-century Kemp Town Enclosures and Esplanade, originally served as a place for residents of Lewes Crescent to read and enjoy sea views.

After decades of dereliction, the building was restored by Brighton and Hove City Council in 2023 and reopened as a café in November 2024.

However, on March 26, the council launched an enforcement case over the alleged installation of canopies and temporary kitchen structures without prior planning consent.

The venue before the canopies were installed (Image: Lewis and Co)

Mr Jones has now applied for retrospective planning consent, seeking permission for the works for a temporary period of 10 years.

The canopies, anchored to the front of the building and supported by poles fixed into the concrete courtyard, are designed to provide shelter for the outdoor seating area and enable year-round operation.

The kitchen and bar units, located at the east and west ends of the building, are described as lightweight, temporary structures intended to meet increased seasonal demand.

In a planning statement submitted on behalf of Mr Jones, Lewis and Co Planning argued the proposals do not cause substantial harm to the listed building.

They said: "The proposals subject to this application are lightweight, visually subordinate and temporary in nature.

They added: "Any impact arising from the proposals would properly fall within the category of less than substantial harm.

"That limited harm is clearly outweighed by the public benefits arising from the continued active use of the listed building, the securing of its ongoing maintenance and conservation, and the continued public use and enjoyment of this restored heritage asset."

The statement also said the canopies and kitchen units were designed to be easily removed, with minimal intrusion to the historic fabric of the building.

The food preparation area at The Reading Room (Image: Lewis and Co)

The application has drawn support from nine residents so far.

Writing in support of the plans, one local said: "As a resident of Sussex Square, the Reading Room has added a huge amount to the local area and it has evolved thoughtfully with its additional canopies and outdoor kitchen and bar areas, to the benefit of the neighbourhood.

"Prior to these being in place there was a constant queue and service was slow. If we want good amenities in the area we need to support their efforts to make their businesses work.

"Not granting this would no doubt cause the business to collapse, and probably close."

Another said: "Having the covered outside space allows the café to have so many more customers, supporting the business and allowing more money to be spent on the infrastructure that quite frankly was an eyesore before it was taken on by the café owner.

"I completely understand that planning should have been applied for, but not allowing the canopy to remain would be incredibly short sighted."

However, one resident has objected to the plans.

They said: "I object to this application in its current form.

"Comments stressing the functional aspects of the canopy and temporary kitchen are rather missing the point.

"If that is the case, why do we bother to have listed buildings at all? I'm all in favour of bringing new life to existing buildings but why can't the additions be more in keeping with the surroundings?"

A decision on the plans will be made by the council by August 10.