Long Views
could easily have been lost for ever
Attempts to seal off our long views
Not so long ago, planning applications were made proposing the demolition of the Richmond House building, arguing the economic need for a 5-storey student block which would have sealed up the open space to the east of Richmond Road and the north of D'Aubigny Road. The open space to the north of Richmond House would have been lost and what are still long public outdoor views would have become indoor private views only. Fortunately, two such planning applications were REFUSED and the appeal which followed the second refusal was DISMISSED.
The Round Hill Society welcomes Pavilions and Cranstoun's approach to providing users of their service with an open, friendly and inviting environment. Their interior refurbishment of the Richmond House building provides just that. But it is good news too that staff at Pavilions have identified the opportunity for making something of the garden. The latter is fortunately sited. Although this open space could benefit from continued care and maintenance, it already makes a significant contribution to the visual amenity of The Round Hill conservation area. With Pavilions as a long-term tenant, the outlook looks promising.
The value of "an open-feel"
As well as visual amenity, these views provide psychological relief to the occupants of Round Hill and to the general public.
The retention of the long views was considered important by the Government Planning Inspector when she rejected a development on the Richmond House site at the north end of D’Aubigny Road in 2014. To quote from her Report:
These views out of the densely developed streets are a recognised and positive part of the character of Round Hill so that their loss is particularly serious.’ (Appeal Decision APP/ Q1445/A/13/2210775 para 13)
The Inspector also made reference to the Brighton and Hove Local Plan, Policy HE6, which seeks to ensure that developments affecting a Conservation Area retain spaces between buildings which make a positive contribution.
Three of Round Hill's precious long views
The Round Hill conservation area has three precious long views looking eastwards, the third of which is currently threatened by development - soon to be decided:
[1] from summit of Princes Road (also at the junction of Princes Road and Mayo Road) which takes in the Lewes Road valley (a little less of it in recent decades). Looking up towards the horizon from right to left, the long public view also spans Brighton General Hospital, the main stand of the race course, Woodvale and Tenantry Down, the top of Bear Road, Bevendean and Moulsecoomb.
[2] from the lower end of Richmond Road and its junction with D'Aubigny Road, which opens out into a spectacular panorama from the Richmond House car park.
[3] from the south end of D'Aubigny Road through the generous gap which has divided the terraces of D'Aubigny Road and Roundhill Crescent ever since the original layout in the early 1880s.
This page was last updated by Ted on 06-Oct-2025