Plans to carry out extensive repairs to the grade I listed Brighton Dome have been unanimously approved.
Traditional materials are expected to be used as work gets under way to preserve the 18th century building.
Details were presented to Brighton and Hove City Council’s Planning Committee at Hove Town Hall this afternoon (Wednesday 3 September).
Members were told that the gutters would be repainted and a low-pressure jet would be used to wash masonry including pinnacles.
Repairs using stainless steel pins and resin injections are also due to be carried out to the stone merlons – the upward crenelations around the roof of the building.
The planning application to carry out the work was submitted by the Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival.
The council’s heritage department raised no objections to the proposals because most of the work would be carried out using traditional materials such as linseed putty around the windows.
Jet-washing and lime-washing would only be undertaken once tests have been completed on sample sections.
Conservative councillor Carol Theobald said: “I think it’s a really good thing to do these external repairs to a grade I historic building.
“I wish some of our other buildings in the city could probably have this sort of refurbishment. I’m sure they’ll do a brilliant job.”
Labour councillor Julie Cattell said: “I’m sure we’ll be using specialist contractors as we are on Madeira Terraces. I’m really glad this is happening.
“You learn something every day and I’ve learned what a merlon is – an upright bit of a crenelation and also a character in Super Mario which I thought you might like to know.”
Labour councillor Tobias Sheard, who chaired the meeting, said: “As the old expression goes, sometimes you have to crack a few eggs before you can do something.
“Obviously, having this building restored is going to involve some materials being brought in to replace those that have been lost.
“Apparently, Mario and Luigi need to come in as well – just in case the plumbing needs doing.”
