Appeal Rejected Over Pub Renovations At Hove’s Grade II Listed Tapestry

A Hove pub has lost its appeal after making changes to its building without permission — including new windows, awnings and planters.

The Golden Lion Group, owners of The Tapestry in Victoria Grove, had applied for retrospective planning permission and listed building consent for the work on the Grade II listed property, which faces Second Avenue in the Avenues Conservation Area.

The company had already replaced white tiles with green ones, added awnings and planters to the frontage, and swapped out bi-fold doors for sash windows — which it argued were more in keeping with the area’s heritage.

But Brighton and Hove City Council refused the plans last year, saying the alterations had “eroded the historic significance” of the building and were “not in keeping with the heritage features” of the property.

In an appeal, the company’s planning agent said the work reflected a shift in style from the former late-night bar, Libation, to a more traditional pub atmosphere, and that the renovations had improved the look of the frontage.

However, a planning inspector disagreed, ruling that while the windows offered some improvement, the overall scheme failed to preserve the building’s special character or the appearance of the conservation area.

The inspector described the harm as “less than substantial but at the lower end of the scale” — confirming the council’s decision to refuse consent.

The Tapestry, previously known as Libation, Crafty Chooks, and The Tin Drum, remains under the ownership of the Day family.