Music pub fears closure as developer begins appeal

The Prince Albert is a Grade II listed property

A music pub in Brighton is fearing closure once again after a developer launched an appeal with the government planning inspectorate.

In November, Brighton & Hove City Council unanimously refused plans for a four-storey office block next to The Prince Albert, in Trafalgar Street.

But developer Camping’s Luxury Coaches has now lodged an appeal to overturn that decision.

Pub owner George Taylor said the appeal is the "biggest threat yet" to The Prince Albert's future.

“It’s very disheartening," said Mr Taylor. "A lot of work went into our campaign last year to get the planning refused.

'Here we go again'

“As a family we just thought ‘here we go again’."

The pub hosts live music events every night of the week, from 16:00 to 23:00 BST.

Mr Taylor said he fears potential noise complaints from the office block could see restrictions imposed on his pub.

The developer wants to knock down the disused garage next door and build an office block with a shop or cafe on the ground floor.

More than 1000 objections were submitted against the development last year, including from DJ Fatboy Slim, who played at the venue to show his support.

The pub is also famous as the original location of Banksy's "Kissing Coppers" mural, which fetched $575,000 (£345,000) when it was sold at auction in the US.

Camping’s Luxury Coaches said it did not wish to comment.

The Planning Inspectorate said it had received and validated the appeal.

A spokesperson said: “The next stage will be to appoint a suitable inspector to the case.”