East Sussex · BN1, BN2, BN3
Foundations in Brighton and Hove
Foundations are the below-ground concrete structure that transfers the load of a building safely into the ground, with the type — strip, trench-fill or raft — and depth determined by ground conditions, nearby trees and the load of the structure above.
In Brighton and Hove, that covers Kemp Town, Hove, Preston Park, Hanover, Seven Dials, Fiveways, Patcham, Portslade. Brighton and Hove is known for its Regency architecture, extensive Victorian terraced housing, and later 20th-century development, all within a compact coastal city where many properties are in conservation areas and a significant number are listed.
Coverage
Areas we cover in Brighton and Hove for foundations
Property styles in Brighton and Hove
Regency squares and terraces are concentrated around Brunswick, Kemp Town and the seafront, with dense Victorian terraced housing across much of the wider city, and later suburban housing further from the centre. Basement conversions, loft conversions and rear extensions are common project types on the terraced stock, subject to conservation area and party wall considerations.
Planning considerations
Brighton & Hove City Council is the local planning authority. The city has one of the highest concentrations of conservation areas of any local authority in the South East, and many properties are listed, particularly in the Regency squares. Basement work also requires careful consideration of structural and drainage issues in a dense urban setting.
How it works
Our foundations process
- 01
Site investigation
Checking ground conditions, trial pits where needed, and proximity to trees, drains and existing foundations.
- 02
Design and approval
Agreeing the foundation type and depth, with Building Control approval before excavation for most projects.
- 03
Excavation and formwork
Digging to the approved depth and forming edges ready for concrete.
- 04
Concrete pour and inspection
Pouring concrete to the specified mix and depth, with a Building Control inspection of the open trench beforehand.
Also in this area
Other services we provide in Brighton and Hove
Nearby coverage
Foundations in nearby areas
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FAQs
Foundations in Brighton and Hove: FAQs
Do you provide foundations across all of Brighton and Hove?
Yes, we cover the BN1, BN2 and BN3 postcode areas in full, including Kemp Town, Hove, Preston Park, Hanover, Seven Dials, Fiveways, Patcham, Portslade.
How deep do foundations need to be?
Depth depends on ground conditions, the load of the structure and proximity to trees or drains — a straightforward strip foundation might be around 1m deep, but clay soils near mature trees can require significantly deeper trench-fill foundations. This is confirmed by site investigation and agreed with Building Control.
Does Building Control need to inspect the foundations before concrete is poured?
Yes. An open-trench inspection is a standard Building Control stage, carried out once excavation is complete and before concrete is poured, to confirm the ground conditions and depth match what was approved.
Can I extend a listed Regency property in Brighton?
Alterations to listed buildings require listed building consent in addition to any planning permission, and the historic character of Regency terraces means proposals are considered carefully. We assess feasibility on a case-by-case basis.
Get a quote for foundations in Brighton and Hove
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Last reviewed 2026-07-28.