Planning

In-depth reports and interviews relating to planning issues in the Eastbourne area. Original content (not copy ‘n’ paste) from a not-for-profit set-up. Become a member through the KoFi link so I can create a sustainable news model. Many thanks!

The Shires, Gorringe Road, Eastbourne

SPOTLIGHT: Planning inspector approves care home conversion

By Huw Oxburgh, BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporting Service Controversial plans to convert a former Eastbourne care home have been approved on appeal. A planning inspector has approved retrospective proposals for an 11-bedroom property at 13 Gorringe Road — a building which had formed part of a care home known as The Shires. Eastbourne planners had refused […]

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East Sussex potholes

SPOTLIGHT: East Sussex pothole reports double

Reports by residents of potholes in East Sussex more than doubled last year.   In figures released in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, East Sussex County Council said it received 26,309 reports of potholes and other carriageway defects in 2022/23.   This was more than double the previous financial year (2021/22), which […]

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Sovereign Harbour apartment plan

SPOTLIGHT: Harbour flats plan sent back to the drawing board 

The developer of a controversial seven-storey development of around 130 retirement seaside apartments must make changes to secure planning permission.  Eastbourne Borough Council’s planning committee voted unanimously in a show of cross-party unity last night to defer the planning application for a site on the western edge of Sovereign Harbour.  The main points of contention […]

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Old Town rec Eastbourne

SPOTLIGHT: “We lost £150,000 in funding because of two-year council delay” 

A sports coach working to upgrade facilities in a park has said a delay of two years by Eastbourne Borough Council in agreeing an important lease meant the project missed out on £150,000 in funding.  Craig Wells first had the idea for a modest scheme which could transform the Old Town recreation ground during lockdown.  He […]

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Lightning Fibre

SPOTLIGHT: Job losses at Lightning Fibre under new owner 

There will be redundancies at Eastbourne-based broadband operator Lightning Fibre as a result of its change of ownership.  The firm, which has been sold to a company which invests in infrastructure projects, has about 200 full-time equivalent staff.  A company spokesman told the Eastbourne Reporter: “We have changed our strategy to focus more on growing […]

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Sovereign Harbour Untold Living site

SPOTLIGHT: Residents hold ‘amicable’ meeting about ‘over-the-top’ flats plan

Sheltering on the east side of Martello Tower 66 from a howling southwesterly, Frances Lawrence and Caroline Lynam are philosophical about the fenced-off area nearby.  It’s the site of a proposed seven-storey development of around 130 retirement apartments overlooking the sea on the western edge of Sovereign Harbour.  The planning application by developer Untold Living, […]

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Sovereign Harbour apartment plan

SPOTLIGHT: Council leader objects to Sovereign Harbour scheme 

The leader of Eastbourne Borough Council is among hundreds of objectors to a plan to build 137 retirement apartments next to the beach at Sovereign Harbour.  Coun Stephen Holt wrote in his objection to his own council’s planning department that the development, which would be four metres higher than neighbouring blocks, was not in keeping […]

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Fort Fun Eastbourne

SPOTLIGHT: Council agrees five-year lease for Fort Fun 

The long-derelict Fort Fun site on Eastbourne seafront is scheduled to partially re-open by Easter with an indoor play area.  But the former water park section, which had been earmarked for inclusive activities by Defiant Sports, will now instead be grassed over by Eastbourne Borough Council.  The council has decided to award a five-year lease […]

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Solar panels in a field

SPOTLIGHT: Energy project could bring 50,000 solar panels to Eastbourne Levels 

Part of the Eastbourne Levels could be covered in 50,000 solar panels if planning permission is approved for a renewable energy project in a multi-million pound deal, a public meeting heard.  The land, owned by the Duke of Devonshire, covers an 80-acre site currently used for livestock grazing.  The solar panels could be positioned east […]

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20mph road sign

SPOTLIGHT: Could Eastbourne have more 20mph speed limits? 

Campaigners for a 20mph limit in residential areas have dismissed claims by East Sussex County Council that it would require “significant and costly traffic management measures” to put in place.  The introduction of 20mph speed limit areas in Eastbourne still seems a distant prospect, despite widespread support from political parties, residents and businesses.  An alliance […]

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