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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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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SPOTLIGHT: Visions of greener transport in Eastbourne
Car-free, elegant public spaces in the town centre, frequent buses, and safe cycling for families and commuters was the vision presented at a sustainable transport summit in Eastbourne. There was consensus that the current situation could not continue: car dependency, daily traffic jams, gridlocked roundabouts, unreliable buses, driving speeds which endanger pedestrians, and few safe […]
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SPOTLIGHT: Housing crisis on the Sussex coast
More than 100 councils are due to join an emergency summit to discuss the social and financial crisis created by soaring demand for temporary accommodation. The online meeting on Tuesday (31 October) is to be hosted by Eastbourne Borough Council and the District Councils’ Network. Councillor Stephen Holt, leader of Liberal Democrat-controlled Eastbourne Borough Council, […]
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SPOTLIGHT: The Black Robin Farm project
What is happening at Black Robin Farm, the high-profile plan for a cultural and education centre on the South Downs above Eastbourne? It is nearly two years since Eastbourne Borough Council secured £19.8 million in Levelling Up funding towards this scheme and others – and the deadline for spending the money is less than six […]
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SPOTLIGHT: What can be done about the housing crisis in Eastbourne?
The annual cost of housing benefit in Eastbourne is more than £30 million, while rents continue to rise and limited numbers of new homes are built. The lack of housing is the driving force behind the Eastbourne Community Land Trust, which plans initially to build five houses for key workers and their families. Conservative MP […]
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SPOTLIGHT: The road from Roche to pavement politics
Brett Wright was elected earlier this month as an East Sussex County Councillor, representing Meads in Eastbourne. His success as a Liberal Democrat resulted in the Conservatives losing their overall majority. We meet the man to find out what motivated him to stand and why he’s hoping his election will lead to a more collaborative […]
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SPOTLIGHT Artificial pitch approved for Eastbourne United
Artificial turf has been approved for Eastbourne United football club despite opposition from residents. People living near the ground argued the scheme would bring a huge increase in pitch use and traffic as well as adversely affecting the environment. The club has welcomed the decision as the catalyst to attract more community use to The […]
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SPOTLIGHT: Neighbour’s fears over plan for homes in old quarry
A 93-year-old woman who has lived in her home for more than 60 years has voiced concerns over a plan to build 18 houses at the bottom of a sheer drop in Ocklynge Chalk Pit next door. Silvia Verrall (above) moved to her house in Willingdon Road when it was built in 1961 and the […]
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SPOTLIGHT: Council update on Fort Fun revamp
Plans by Defiant Sports for accessible facilities at the Fort Fun site on Eastbourne seafront are inching forward as it was confirmed that quotes to install a new electricity feed are being gathered. But there is still no news on a long-awaited decision as to whether planning permission is needed for work to go ahead. […]
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