The Brighton Road Conservation Area lies to the south of the historic heart of Crawley, and developed around the junction of the 1848 railway line and the old main road between London and Brighton. The area is centred on the railway crossing, with its listed signal box, and a number of other properties dating to the 1850s onwards which lie in its immediate vicinity. The most significant of these are the Railway Hotel, a substantial mid-19th century building now in use as a public house, and Nightingale House, the former London and County Bank, which dates to 1901.

The conservation area was designated on 25 March 2009 to protect the distinctive character and appearance of the area, and to ensure that any nearby development proposals are of a scale, form, and design that respects the existing character and setting. The area was extended to the west along Springfield Road and West Street on 3 April 2013.

Brighton Road Conservation Area statement was adopted in April 2018, and is a material consideration when the council determines planning proposals for the area. The conservation area statement identifies the special architectural and historical values of the area and the features that contribute to its character and appearance. It sets out guidance that should be taken into account by development proposals and opportunities for the future management and enhancement of the conservation area.

Southgate CAAC provides comments on planning applications that are submitted within Southgate Neighbourhood Centre Conservation Area, Malthouse Road Conservation Area, and Brighton Road Conservation Area.