Colebrook Road, Brighton

A rare and exciting opportunity to acquire a substantial semi detached family home occupying an exceptional double width plot in one of Brighton’s most desirable residential locations, with clear potential for further development, subject to the necessary planning consents.

What makes this property particularly compelling is the sheer size and configuration of the plot. The house sits on a large, secluded garden that offers far more than just outside space for a family buyer. The plot presents genuine scope for those looking to explore the possibility of creating an additional dwelling, bungalow or self contained unit, subject to planning. For developers, builders or buyers with a long term vision, this is a rare chance to secure a well proportioned home with a valuable secondary angle that could significantly enhance future value.

The garden is mature, private and extensive, with the width and depth to create a real sense of space and separation. From a development perspective, the plot is the standout feature here. Opportunities like this are increasingly hard to find in established Brighton residential locations, particularly where there is already a substantial existing house in place alongside land that appears to offer further potential. Whether a buyer is looking to maximise the site, create accommodation for multi generational living, or simply secure a home with long term upside, this is a property with genuine versatility.

The main house itself is a substantial and characterful family home extending to over 2,100 sq ft and offering generous, flexible accommodation arranged over three floors. Internally, the property provides excellent room proportions, with three separate reception areas giving buyers a variety of options for formal living, family living, dining, working from home or additional bedroom space if required.

The ground floor offers a welcoming layout with a spacious principal living room to the front, a separate reception room that could work equally well as a study, snug or additional bedroom, and a fitted kitchen leading through to a bright dining room overlooking the garden. There is also a further ground floor bedroom and shower room, which adds an important layer of flexibility for guests, older relatives, independent teenagers or those seeking annexe style potential within the main house.

On the upper floors, the house continues to impress with well balanced bedroom accommodation. The first floor provides two particularly generous double bedrooms alongside a family bathroom, while the top floor adds two further bedrooms, creating a layout that works extremely well for larger families. The overall feel is of a home that has evolved to offer adaptable living space, with scope for a buyer to modernise, reconfigure or simply enjoy the size and layout as it stands.

Externally, the property benefits from off street parking, an integral garage and a deep frontage, while the rear garden is the true focal point, expansive, private and full of promise. It is this combination of an established family home and a plot with possible development prospects that makes the property so unusual and appealing.

Overall, this is a home that will attract a wide range of buyers. For families, it offers size, flexibility and a wonderful garden. For builders and developers, it offers a rare site with exciting future potential. For those thinking long term, it is a chance to buy not just a home, but an opportunity.

3 Colebrook Road, Brighton
Potential development opportunity, subject to the necessary consents.

• A rare opportunity to acquire a house set within a substantial plot in Brighton, which may appeal to buyers, developers and investors looking to explore future development potential, subject to planning permission.

• The site is not located within a conservation area.

• The site is not located within the South Downs National Park.

• Brighton & Hove City Plan Policy CP1 Housing Delivery supports the efficient use and development of land across the city to help meet housing needs, which may be a positive consideration for purchasers looking at the future potential of the site.

• Brighton & Hove City Plan Policy CP14 Housing Density supports residential development at an appropriate density on a case by case basis, particularly where proposals are well designed and respond positively to the character of the surrounding area.

• Brighton & Hove City Plan Policy CP20 Affordable Housing relates to larger residential schemes, with affordable housing requirements generally applying to developments of five or more dwellings.

• Brighton & Hove City Plan Policy DM1 Housing Quality, Choice & Mix seeks the delivery of high quality homes that contribute to balanced and sustainable communities, with an emphasis on good design and appropriate accommodation standards.

• Brighton & Hove City Plan Policy DM19 Maximising Development Potential supports making the most efficient and effective use of suitable sites, with the aim of avoiding underdevelopment.

• There is no planning permission currently in place, however the size of the plot and surrounding planning history may make this an exciting prospect for a buyer wishing to investigate a future application, subject to all necessary consents.

• Nearby planning history includes approval under reference BH2017/03464 for the erection of a two bedroom single dwelling on land adjacent to 11 Colebrook Road, approved in December 2017.

• Nearby planning history also includes approval under reference BH2021/00580 for the erection of a detached single storey annexe to the rear of 9 Colebrook Road, approved in April 2021.

• Overall, this is a highly unusual opportunity to purchase a large plot with a house in place, offering buyers the chance to enjoy the property as it stands while also considering the longer term potential of the site, subject to planning.

Based on our aerial photography shots, although the exact extent of the site cannot be fully confirmed, it would appear that, by avoiding the large tree along Colebrook Road, an access point could be created to form a driveway with sufficient space to accommodate the two required parking spaces. A single storey dwelling is proposed, as we believe a two storey scheme would likely result in an overbearing impact and overshadowing to the neighbouring property and its garden to the north. Similar backland developments in the road have previously been refused on this basis. The scale of the proposed dwelling has been considered to reflect the massing and footprint of the dwelling to the south. The impact on the existing house is still to be fully assessed, although it is assumed that positioning the proposed dwelling in front of the garage would not present a significant issue.


Any reference to development or future potential is subject to the necessary planning permissions and consents. No representations or warranties are made in respect of planning permission being granted. Interested parties must make and rely upon their own enquiries.