Brownsea Castle

Firstplan advised on the planning strategy to enable Brownsea Castle to host general public events and functions, including overnight stays and weddings. Brownsea Castle, a Grade II listed building constructed by Henry VIII in the 1540s, is a National Trust property located on Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour. Since the 1960s, the castle has operated as a private hotel run by the John Lewis Partnership (JLP) for its Partners’ exclusive use. Working closely with JLP’s operations team, Firstplan led on pre-application negotiations with Dorset Council which successfully resulted in a Certificate of Lawful Proposed Use being issued under Section 192 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended). Now, the general public is able to enjoy the spectacular historic setting of Brownsea Castle for their special occasions.