SPOTLIGHT: The revival of the Royal Hippodrome in Eastbourne
Gary Murray’s piece chronicles the Royal Hippodrome in Eastbourne, highlighting its survival through historic threats and restoration efforts. From its grand opening in 1883 to recent refurbishments, the theatre has hosted notable acts and faced scandals. Today, it thrives with diverse performances and community involvement, reliant on volunteer support and donations.
Read More
SPOTLIGHT: Extensive cuts to culture and leisure likely in bid to save £2.7 million
By Rebecca Maer Drastic cuts are set to be made to cultural life and leisure in Eastbourne. Eastbourne Borough Council is considering cutting funding for the Towner gallery (above), closing the Beachy Head heritage centre, changing how the theatres operate and selling assets. A second round of cuts later this year may also see changes […]
Read More
SPOTLIGHT: Solar panels on Eastbourne Levels given go ahead
By Rebecca Maer Solar panels will be installed across an agricultural flood plain either side of the railway track into Eastbourne after councillors approved the scheme. They voted narrowly in favour – with three for, two against and one absention – after the scheme was discussed at last night’s Eastbourne Borough Council planning meeting. The […]
Read More
SPOTLIGHT: Sovereign Harbour flats scheme still too big, say councillors
By Rebecca Maer A controversial retirement scheme planned for Sovereign Harbour was last night deferred for the second time as councillors dug their heels in over the scale of the design, rejecting a recommendation to approve it. The original plan for three blocks at Martinique Way at the edge of a shingle beach has already […]
Read More
SPOTLIGHT: Controversial flats plan reduced by just one storey
A controversial seven-storey “oversized” coastal retirement scheme will be lowered by just one floor, according to a revised planning application. The new plan for the plot on the western edge of Sovereign Harbour also reduces the number of apartments by eight to 128 and changes the appearance of the building. But the residents’ association would […]
Read More
SPOTLIGHT: Developer bids to replace one house with 20 flats
By Huw Oxburgh, BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporting Service A developer has submitted plans for an apartment building in Eastbourne to replace a large detached house. In an application submitted to Eastbourne Borough Council, a developer is seeking outline planning permission to demolish the home at 273 Kings Drive and replace it with a building containing […]
Read More
SPOTLIGHT: Council paid developers more than £750,000
By Huw Oxburgh, BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporter Wealden District Council has paid out more than three-quarters of a million pounds in appeal costs since January 2021. The single largest payout resulted from the council’s decision to refuse the 700-home Mornings Mill development on farmland at Willingdon, Eastbourne, which was approved on appeal. One Labour councillor […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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, […]
Read More
REVIEW: Taking the plunge with Eastbourne Alive
Silent concentration was interspersed with ‘oooh’s of delight and ‘oh’s of resignation as a group of us gathered for a printing workshop in the empty Motcombe Pool caretaker’s house in Eastbourne Old Town. We were experiencing the unpredictable process of printing using a flexible silicone gel plate rollered with paint then imprinted with images or […]
Read More