Tongdean - Diverse places (contrasting place to the NEQ)

Objectives of field trip

1. To get a sense of what Tongdean is like, how it has changed over time and how it contrasts with NEQ.

2. to collect primary data that represents Tongdean as our contrasting place

How is it a contrasting place?

The NEQ is in the inner city, and Tongdean is Suburban. Tongdean was ranked as one of the 5% least deprived neighbourhoods and NEQ as one of the 40% most deprived neighbourhoods.

BIPOLAR SURVEYS

site 1 - 28

Site 2 - 20

Site 3 - 58

Site 4 - 66

Site 5 - 74

history

Early History: Originally open downland and farmland until the early 20th century.

20th Century: Developed gradually from the 1920s-1950s as an exclusive suburb for Brighton's wealthy.

Post-War: Steady but limited infill; strict planning controls protected large plots and green spaces.

Modern Day: Little high-density development; character preserved. Some mansion redevelopments into flats, but overall low change.

key differences for comparison with NEQ

origin - Agricultural, suburban villas

main development era - 1920s-1950s

density - low (11 dwellings per hectare)

housing type - Detached homes, villas

planning philosophy - Conservation of suburban character

Socioeconomic Profile - Wealthy, high car ownership, older demographics, long-term residents.

green space - private gardens

Urban Planning Themes

Represents traditional suburban development ideals — separation of uses, car reliance, and spacious plots.

Preservation of historic environment is a key focus today.

quantitative data that helps evaluate the area

We used a map to track the distance to important locations that might influence Tongdeans characteristics.

qualitative data that helps evaluate the area

We used a bipolar survey and a question air to create a perspective on the area, from it we gathered, from site 1 (28) to site 5 (74) the perception of the area increased chronologically. On the survey we found majority of people were working from home and found the area less deprived than the rest of Brighton and Hove which is reflected in the contrasting bipolar surveys on NEQ.

secondary data referred to before the trip that helped you evaluate the area and gave an impression of the plac

Read information about the history and development of Tongdean and their population characteristics. It is ranked one of the 5% least deprived neighbourhoods by the 2019 IMD, suburban.