About Us

Charity number 1051091

Beginnings

In 1960 a scheme for a seven storey block of flats at 15 New Church Road (now Pembroke Court) was approved by Hove Council. A Land Tribunal granted Prestbury Investments permission to lift a restrictive covenant but limited the height of the building to 65 feet.

Miss Ella Boyce-Stamper of 9 New Church Road collected a 2000-name petition, aided by a hydrogen-filled balloon to indicate the height of the proposed structure, to stimulate publicity. This campaign of objections delayed things until 1962 but the Ministry of Housing refused to hold a public enquiry and the building went ahead.

A meeting of the prominent signatories on the 2nd December 1960, together with the Regency Society of Brighton and Hove, resulted in the founding of Hove Civic Society.

The Society Today

The object of the Society is to stimulate community interest in the beauty, history and character of Hove and its surroundings. The Society encourages high standards of architecture, town planning and the conservation of buildings of historical interest. Our committee meets regularly to further the work of the Society and the Planning Monitoring Group inspects applications relating to the conservation areas of Hove, making objections on behalf of the Society when necessary. Protecting the individuality of Hove within the wider City context is of great importance and the maintenance and improvement of our environment is to the benefit of all.

In addition, Hove Civic Society arranges a varied programme of events throughout the year. In the summer there are visits to places of interest within reach of Hove and in the winter there are talks on a variety of subjects. The talks are free to members and non-members are welcome to attend for a small charge.

Committee

 Brighton Society                 Delia Ives
 Representative