Inspector backs enforcement at historic manor house in South Downs

An appeal to retain a parking area next to a manor house dating back to the 1700s has been dismissed.

Planning Inspector RJ Redford upheld the National Park Authority’s decision not to retrospectively permit a parking area in the immediate vicinity of Stanmer House, near Brighton, which is now subject to an enforcement notice requiring its removal.

The house is Grade I listed and dates to the 1720s, although various alterations were made in the 19th century. It was built by Nicholas Dubois for the illustrious Pelham family of Sussex and is surrounded by formal gardens, including an historic fountain.

Planning permission was granted last year for the conversion of the first and second floors of house and since then listed building consent has been granted for several elements, including extension to the paved terrace and reintroduction of Georgian windows to the southern façade.  However, an application to retain the parking area was refused.  Temporary permission for parking near the house had expired and the Authority had to undertake enforcement action as parking was continuing unlawfully.

Writing in her appeal report Ms Redford said: “The intrusive nature of cars parking in this area would erode the garden character by introducing a functional use into an area specifically designed for visual and recreational enjoyment. This would be at odds to the purposeful design of the House which contains functional elements away from the south and front elevations. Therefore, the proposed car park would fail to preserve the setting of the House.”

A number of large car parks are already available on the Stanmer Estate, including the Patchway public car park that is nearest to the House.

Emma Goodwin, Planning Enforcement Officer, said: “This is a very good outcome for the National Park in terms of protecting important heritage assets within a conservation area. Stanmer is a key gateway to the National Park and its historic buildings and gardens are part of the wider heritage of Brighton. The car park clearly caused harm to this historic site.”