Conservation Committee

SGT has an active Conservation Committee that seeks to protect the Sussex park and garden heritage by:
• influencing Local Authority planning policies
• contributing constructive and informative comment on planning applications affecting Sussex garden heritage

The Gardens Trust (GT)

SGT is a member of the national organisation, the Gardens Trust (TGT), which was formed in July 2015 following a merger of The Garden History Society and the Association of Gardens Trusts.

TGT is a statutory consultee and local planning authorities must therefore consult TGT on planning applications that may affect historic designed landscapes of any grade in England and Wales that are on the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest that is held by Historic England. These consultations are dealt with by the Gardens Trust's conservation team, working closely with County Gardens Trusts such as SGT. 

GT Guidance

In recognition of the close partnership between the Gardens Trust and local planning authorities, the Gardens Trust has published a guidance leaflet to explain the place of historic designed landscapes in the planning system, the importance of assessing significance, the statutory consultation obligations, and the role of the Gardens Trust and the County Gardens Trusts. This leaflet is intended primarily to help local planning authorities, but is freely available to all.

The leaflet can be downloaded by clicking this link The Planning System and the Protection of Historic Parks and Gardens.

Case Studies From 2016

Stanmer Park, Brighton: Retrospective Planning Application for a marqee

The application seeks approval to retain a marquee in the Fountain Garden in the Grade II Stanmer Park directly in front of the south wing of the Grade I listed Stanmer House. The image on the left above shows the Fountain Garden as it appeared in the early 20th century, while the image on the right shows the new marquee in the garden in 2016. The Trust submitted a detailed assessment objecting to the application. The full document can be downloaded here. The conclusion stated:

The proposals are in conflict with the approved Restoration Management Plan and would result in substantial harm to the setting and significance of the Grade I listed house and Grade II listed park without any offsetting public benefits. The marquee and temporary car park are intrusive features harmful to the setting of Stanmer House and the character of the park, and should be removed in line with the Restoration Management Plan and the proposals for the restoration of the park recently approved by SDNPA. For these reasons the Trust objects to the application.

See also Restoration Management Plan

Planning Application to Demolish Anston House, Brighton and Redevelop Site

Like so many towns and cities across the SE, Brighton has an acute shortage of housing, and the situation is made difficult by the geography – with the sea to the south and the Downs and National Park to the north. In the latest development in a long running saga, a new planning application was submitted in July 2016 to demolish Anston House, an ugly tower block opposite Preston Park, and redevelop the site to provide some 229 new dwellings. SGT has undertaken a detailed study of the proposals and concluded that the height, form and appearance of the new structures would cause substantial harm to the setting of Preston Park. We have therefore submitted an objection to the application, supported by a detailed appraisal. If you are interested in downloading a copy of the SGT’s objection to the Anston House planning application click here. The application was approved in December 2016. 

Registered Sites

There are only about 1700 registered nationally so a grade of I, II* or 2 indicates their importance. However in the light of reduced funding, the TGT only has resources to comment on applications affecting the most significant sites. For the majority of applications in Sussex the TGT advises the Trust that it has received a consultation so the SGT Conservation Committee may offer observations and advice from its local knowledge to the Planning Authorities. This helps to ensure that proposed developments respect and enhance our park and garden heritage.

Some proposals may involve significant landscape changes but the majority relate to lesser matters often associated with buildings and structures within the Registered parks and gardens. Conversion of outbuildings to other uses, particularly adjacent to houses and farms, often affects the amenity gardens associated with the property.
To enable proper consideration of the development any application proposing changes to parks and gardens should include an historical appraisal and impact assessment. The Trust supports the production of these statements. Its volunteers have researched many of the parks and gardens in Sussex and the reports can be found on the Parks and Gardens UK website and a list of registered sites may be found here Registered Sussex Parks & Gardens

Non-Registered Sites

For non-registered sites, many of which are cherished open spaces or gardens in urban and rural areas, we rely heavily on our members and any other interested parties advising us of any issues that may affect them. Across Sussex there are a many identified sites of local significance. These are listed in the table below by District Council administrative areas.

How You Can Help

The Conservation Committee is always pleased to hear from anyone who can provide information about parks and gardens. If there are proposals within or in the vicinity of registered and non-registered sites the Trust may be able to comment.

To contact the Conservation Committee please send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Trust will only comment on factual detail in respect of the history and significance of any park or garden and is not in a position to advocate on behalf of others.