East Sussex · BN1, BN2, BN3
Structural Alterations in Brighton and Hove
A structural alteration, or knock-through, removes or alters a load-bearing wall — typically to join a kitchen and dining room — and requires structural calculations from an engineer, a supporting steel beam sized to the load, and Building Regulations approval before and after the work.
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 structural alterations
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 structural alterations process
- 01
Structural survey
Assessing the wall, what it supports, and the loads involved, ahead of instructing an engineer.
- 02
Engineer's calculations
A structural engineer sizes the steel or other structural solution and produces calculations for Building Control.
- 03
Building Regulations and party wall
Submitting a Building Regulations application and serving party wall notice if the work affects a shared wall.
- 04
Construction
Temporary propping, forming the opening, installing the steel and making good, with a Building Control inspection before the work is covered up.
Also in this area
Other services we provide in Brighton and Hove
Nearby coverage
Structural Alterations in nearby areas
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FAQs
Structural Alterations in Brighton and Hove: FAQs
Do you provide structural alterations 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.
Do I need planning permission to remove an internal wall?
Usually no — removing an internal load-bearing wall is normally a Building Regulations matter rather than a planning one, provided the property isn't listed and the work doesn't affect the external appearance. We confirm the position for your property at survey.
How do I know if a wall is load-bearing?
Load-bearing walls typically run perpendicular to floor or roof joists, sit above a wall or support on the floor below, or align with the roof structure — but this isn't reliable to judge by eye, so we assess it on-site and confirm with a structural engineer before any work starts.
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 structural alterations in Brighton and Hove
Tell us about the property and what you have in mind, and we'll arrange a site visit.
Last reviewed 2026-07-28.