Peacehaven Residents Reject Proposal to Join Brighton and Hove

Peacehaven residents have overwhelmingly opposed plans to merge the town with Brighton and Hove City Council.

Around 200 people attended a public meeting on Tuesday (12 August) at Community House to discuss the government’s proposals for unitary authorities in Sussex from May 2028. The city council is consulting on four options, all of which include annexing Peacehaven, Telscombe Cliffs, and East Saltdean, and asking whether an enlarged Brighton and Hove should also include Newhaven and Kingston.

Residents voiced strong opposition to the idea. Rachel Brown, a 37-year Peacehaven resident, said the town would gain nothing but higher council tax. Nigel Southall, who has lived in the town for 51 years, called for a referendum and said there should be no boundary changes.

Peacehaven Town Councillor Max Rosser highlighted the differences between the town and Brighton, including its older population and historic links to Lewes rather than the city.

The consultation runs until Monday 25 August. Residents can share their views on the Brighton and Hove City Council and Lewes District Council websites.