Moulsecoomb - Bevendean History Project
Development of the Moulsecoomb estate
The Stanmer Estate
The Stanmer Estate was purchased on 11th November 1947 from the Chichester Estates Company.
Fears that the development of the Stanmer Estate would lead to the spoiling of the beauties of the Downland greenbelt between Brighton and Lewes were expressed at a Ministry of Health inquiry into Brighton's application to borrow £232,619 for the purchase of the 4,958 acre estate.
Brighton & Hove Gazette 19 July 1947 Stanmer Estate Inquiry
Brighton & Hove Gazette 26 July 1947 Stanmer Inquiry cont.
Plan of the Stanmer Estate in 1945.
The Sussex Daily News reported on the 13 October 1947 that approval had
been received on the 11 October 1947 for the purchase by Brighton
Corporation of the 5,000 acre Stanmer Estate. The cost of the purchase
being in the neighbourhood of £250,000. The War Office required
only 10 acres, to be used for the recreational training of troops at
Preston barracks.
Sussex Daily News 13 October 1947 Sussex Park Purchase Approved
The purchase of the Stanmer Estate by Brighton Corporation from the
Chichester Estates Company was completed on 11th November 1947.
Moulsecoomb was extended between 1946 and 1950 when the following roads were built; Ashurst, Bolney, Halland & Stonecross Roads; Friston Close; Moulsecoomb Way (north of Shortgate Road).
In 1951 The Brighton Extension Act was given Royal Assent. A large area to the north east of the town was transferred from the parishes of Falmer and Stanmer into the County Borough with effect from 1 April 1952, including Stanmer Park and Village, Coldean and Old Boat Corner. Much of this was repealed by the East Sussex Act 1981 c.25.
The flats of the West Moulsecoomb or Bates Estate were built on the site of the Bates Nursery between 1951 and 1955. Staplefield Drive was also built during this period.
Egginton Road was built between 1956 and 1959 with Lucraft Road; Selba Drive; Sullington Close; Wheatfield Way built between 1960 and 1969.
Broadfields Road was built between 1970 and 1973 with Egginton Close following in 1975 to 1978.
Moulsecoomb Library
The first library opened in December 1929 in a room in Moulsecoomb Place.
The present library opened on 13 March 1964 on the site of the lodge for Moulsecoomb Place.
Moulsecoomb was extended between 1946 and 1950 when the following roads were built; Ashurst, Bolney, Halland & Stonecross Roads; Friston Close; Moulsecoomb Way (north of Shortgate Road).
In 1951 The Brighton Extension Act was given Royal Assent. A large area to the north east of the town was transferred from the parishes of Falmer and Stanmer into the County Borough with effect from 1 April 1952, including Stanmer Park and Village, Coldean and Old Boat Corner. Much of this was repealed by the East Sussex Act 1981 c.25.
The flats of the West Moulsecoomb or Bates Estate were built on the site of the Bates Nursery between 1951 and 1955. Staplefield Drive was also built during this period.
Egginton Road was built between 1956 and 1959 with Lucraft Road; Selba Drive; Sullington Close; Wheatfield Way built between 1960 and 1969.
Broadfields Road was built between 1970 and 1973 with Egginton Close following in 1975 to 1978.
Moulsecoomb Library
The first library opened in December 1929 in a room in Moulsecoomb Place.
The present library opened on 13 March 1964 on the site of the lodge for Moulsecoomb Place.
