Heritage Restoration in Brighton & Hove — The Definitive Service Guide
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Brighton & Hove’s Architectural Heritage
What Counts as “Heritage Restoration”?
Common Historic Materials and Methods
Why Professional Restoration Matters
Regulatory Landscape (Planning & Listed Building Consent)
Our Comprehensive Heritage Restoration Services
The Restoration Journey: Step-by-Step
Sustainable & Low-Impact Techniques
Typical Costs & Budget Planning
Choosing the Right Specialists
Case Studies from Around the City
Maintaining Restored Features
Frequently Asked Questions
Further Reading & Spin-Off Resources
Next Steps & How to Begin
1. Introduction
Brighton & Hove’s streets mingle Regency terraces, Victorian villas, Edwardian townhouses and Art-Deco gems. Behind the decorative ironwork, intricate cornices and bungaroosh walls lies the story of a city shaped by sea air, salt spray and social change. Heritage restoration respects that story while ensuring each building remains safe, comfortable and fit for modern life.
This pillar page sets out everything you need to know about restoring historic properties in Brighton & Hove—from understanding local planning rules to budgeting for lime plaster repairs. Each major topic links to in-depth articles that explore individual challenges in far greater detail.
2. Brighton & Hove’s Architectural Heritage
2.1 Regency Grandeur
Sweeping crescents such as Brunswick and Sussex Squares showcase stucco façades, delicate balcony ironwork and tall sash windows.
2.2 Victorian & Edwardian Expansion
The city’s late-19th-century boom produced red-brick terraces, ornate gables and decorative tile-hung bays.
2.3 Inter-War & Post-War Layers
From white-walled Art-Deco blocks along the seafront to mid-century social housing, every era has left its mark.
Related article: “A Brief Timeline of Brighton & Hove Architecture”
3. What Counts as “Heritage Restoration”?
Conservation — stabilising and cleaning original fabric without altering its character.
Repair — replacing decayed elements like timber lintels or rusted fixings with matching materials.
Replication — reconstructing lost features (e.g. cornices) using evidence from neighbouring houses or historic photos.
Adaptive Re-Use — sensitively introducing modern comforts (insulation, services) without erasing period detail.
Related article: “Conservation vs. Refurbishment: Knowing the Difference”
4. Common Historic Materials and Methods
Material Where Found Key Risks Typical Remedial Work Bungaroosh Regency & early-Victorian walls, basements Moisture ingress, salt crystallisation Lime pointing, breathable renders Lime Plaster & Mortar Internal walls, external pointing Cement repairs trapping moisture Remove cement, reinstate lime Cast-Iron & Wrought-Iron Railings, balconies Rust from salt air Shot-blasting, zinc priming, enamel topcoat Sash Windows (Softwood) Almost every period Wet rot, rattling, heat loss Splice repairs, draught-proofing, slimline double glazing
Related article: “Understanding Bungaroosh: Brighton’s Unique Wall Fabric”
5. Why Professional Restoration Matters
Structural safety — Decayed timbers or eroded masonry jeopardise load paths.
Planning compliance — Unauthorised works can trigger fines and enforcement.
Longevity & value — Authentic materials and craft extend a building’s life and market worth.
6. Regulatory Landscape (Planning & Listed Building Consent)
Brighton & Hove contains over 30 conservation areas and more than 3,400 listed structures. Even minor repairs can require approval if they alter appearance or fabric.
Permitted Works — Like-for-like repairs with traditional materials may be allowed under “listed building consent not required” guidance.
Consent Applications — Detailed heritage statements, method statements and drawings are mandatory.
Building Regulations — Fire safety, structural integrity and thermal performance still apply, but special exemptions exist for breathability and signage.
Related article: “Step-by-Step Guide to Listed Building Consent in Brighton & Hove”
7. Our Comprehensive Heritage Restoration Services
Condition Surveys & Heritage Statements
Specialist Masonry & Bungaroosh Repairs
Lime Plastering & Pointing
Roofing (Clay Tiles, Welsh Slate, Leadwork)
Joinery Restoration (Sash, Casement & Doors)
Decorative Ironwork & Metal Conservation
Interior Conservation (Cornices, Ceiling Roses, Panelling)
Facade Cleaning (Steam, Nebulous Water, DOFF systems)
Adaptive Upgrades (Discreet Insulation, Secondary Glazing)
8. The Restoration Journey: Step-by-Step
8.1 Initial Assessment
A RICS or IHBC professional inspects fabric, identifies defects and prioritises work.
8.2 Design & Specification
Architects create detailed drawings; conservation officers advise on acceptable interventions.
Learn more: “Writing a Heritage Specification: Best Practice”
8.3 Consent & Approvals
Full drawings, photos, and impact statements submitted to the council.
8.4 Enabling Works & Protection
Scaffolding, weather protection and temporary supports safeguard occupants and features.
8.5 Fabric Repairs
Sequential trades tackle roof first (weathering), then walls, windows, interiors.
8.6 Finishes & Sign-Off
Breathable paints and natural waxes complete the envelope. Council inspections close conditions.
9. Sustainable & Low-Impact Techniques
Hot-lime pointing — absorbs CO₂ while curing, breathable, flexible.
Recovered materials — reuse original bricks, slates, or pavers.
Low-VOC paints — mineral or linseed-oil finishes allow moisture to escape.
Discreet renewables — PV slates or cellar heat pumps hidden from street view.
Related article: “Eco-Retrofit Strategies for Listed Homes”
10. Typical Costs & Budget Planning
Work Item Price Range (Brighton & Hove) Lime repointing terrace façade (20 m²) £3,000–£4,500 Sash window overhaul (per window) £450–£900 DOFF steam clean stucco façade £25–£35 per m² Cast-iron balcony restoration (per linear metre) £180–£250 Full bungaroosh basement repair (30 m²) £18,000–£28,000
Always allocate a 15 % contingency for hidden defects.
Related article: “Heritage Restoration Grants & Funding Avenues in Sussex”
11. Choosing the Right Specialists
Accreditations — Look for CIOB Conservation, IHBC, or Historic England register.
Portfolio — Demand case studies of comparable local projects.
Methodology — Traditional tools? Hot-lime skills? Lead-forming expertise?
Communication — Regular site meetings, transparent cost tracking.
Related article: “Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Conservation Builder”
12. Case Studies from Around the City
12.1 Regency Stucco Revival, Brunswick Square
Complete façade consolidation using lime stucco, re-cast cornices and handmade crown mouldings.
12.2 Victorian Bungaroosh Basement, Hanover
Salt-laden rubble walls stabilised with lime-crete slab, mechanical ventilation and heritage-approved tanking.
12.3 Edwardian Sash & Ironwork, Seven Dials
Forty original box frames overhauled, slimline double glazing inserted, balcony balustrades zinc-sprayed and enamel-coated.
13. Maintaining Restored Features
Annual visual checks for cracks, peeling paint or biological growth.
Clear gutters twice yearly; check downpipes for leaks onto bungaroosh.
Re-oil ironmongery and wax timber to repel moisture.
Related article: “Five-Year Maintenance Plan for Period Homes”
14. Frequently Asked Questions
How long do bungaroosh repairs last?
With breathable finishes and good drainage, repairs can last 50 + years before minor repointing.
Can I install cavity insulation in a solid-walled listed house?
Usually not—moisture transfer must remain. Consider internal vapour-open insulation instead.
Does secondary glazing spoil historic windows?
Slimline units fitted within existing frames can be nearly invisible from outside.
More answers in “Heritage Restoration FAQs: Planning, Materials & Maintenance.”
15. Further Reading & Spin-Off Resources
Understanding Bungaroosh: Brighton’s Unique Wall Fabric
Hot-Lime Mortars: Mixing & Application Guide
DOFF vs. TORC: Choosing the Right Façade Cleaning System
Sash Window Draught-Proofing for Coastal Climates
Cast-Iron Balcony Restoration Techniques
Eco-Retrofit Strategies for Listed Homes
Heritage Restoration Grants & Funding Avenues in Sussex
Five-Year Maintenance Plan for Period Homes
16. Next Steps & How to Begin
Book a Heritage Survey — Receive a detailed condition report and prioritised action plan.
Discuss Your Vision — Our conservation architect refines design, materials and finishes.
Secure Approvals — We prepare applications and liaise with Brighton & Hove planners.
Commence Works — Skilled craftspeople restore your property with respect and precision.
Safeguard your building’s story—contact us today for a no-obligation consultation.
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