Dozens of customers have backed a pub after it was threatened with enforcement action two years after the council told it it didn’t need planning permission.
The Brzn Arms in Beaconsfield Road originally submitted an application two years ago, but withdrew it when, it says, planning officers “implied a change of use was not required”.
But in July, it received a letter from the same department’s enforcement team, saying that in fact, planning permission was needed.
Now, more than 20 people have written to Brighton and Hove City Council to say they support the application.
The supporters include ward councillor Raphael Hill, who said: “I have been contacted by ward constituents who support this venue. They want to ensure its continuation as a vibrant local business that caters to a wide range of residents.”
Another comment, made by someone whose details have been redacted on the planning portal, says: “The Brazn Arms is the kind of thriving small business Brightonians should take pride in.
“It would be a grievous cultural loss if it were to discontinue trading. Please allow things to keep going as they have done.”
And another said: “The Brzn Arms transformed an abandoned lot into a community hub. It has become an important part of the neighbourhood and beyond.
“This simply cannot disappear, it would be the greatest loss for the neighbourhood in its long history.”
The pub’s design and access statement says: “The Brzn Arms has become known as a community hub that is safe and inclusive for everyone.
“The venue is often used as a space where the community meet to discuss local affairs.
“The venue is also used for fundraisers, local artist installations, talks and presentations.
“Many regulars have described the venue as a flourishing community space which they are proud to be a part of.”
The application also points out that many pubs have closed in Brighton in recent years, which led the council to put in place tougher rules making it harder to get permission to change the use of a pub to something else.
The current cost of submitting a change of use planning application is £462. Fees are not refunded if the application is withdrawn.
Brzn took over the former tool hire shop in 2021, when it had lain empty for a year.
The company started as a micro brewery at the Cobbler’s Thumb site on New England Road. It has since moved production to a larger facility in East Sussex.
It’s a great little pub and I hope they reapply for retrospective planning permission, but maybe there’s a lesson here not to rely on “implied” advice from the council. Where planning permission is involved, especially for licensed premises, Council advice should always be explicit and written.
Agreed.
A great community hub for all.leave be.
This happened when I opened the Butcher’s Arms Herne, the original micropub in 2005. gotta just love red tape and yes I had to apply a retro @ a cost of £360 I think.
Martyn Hillier
They should issue the paper work for gratis and immediately as an apology, if their looking for some good pr!
Hi everyone,
Im Aleks – one of the BRZN BEER guys!
I sincerely appreciate the support – just a quick note.
The issue isnt the council messing up – it was an over sight by our landlords who incorrectly assumed they had sorted out the change of building usage. The council informed them they never completed the process – two years after the fact.
The landlords apologised for the oversight and have agreed to pay for the application – at this point it is essentially a technicallity.
It seems to be going our way and we are of course following the process to the letter to hopefully get this resolved with minimal fuss!
Thanks again!
Aleks and the BRZN BEER Team
I do enjoy hearing a good outcome.