By Huw Oxburgh, BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporter
The assumption that properties require a parking space, even in the town centre, was challenged last night by the Mayor of Eastbourne.
Cllr Candy Vaughan (Lib Dem) was speaking as a member of the town’s planning committee as it approved plans to redevelop the site of the former magistrates’ court as a block of 30 apartments.
There will be two designated parking spaces for mobility-impaired residents.
Responding to criticism that there were not more spaces, Cllr Vaughan said: “I don’t have a car parking space. I live in a flat, I don’t have a car.
“I walk, catch the bus, get the train. I don’t see why other people can’t do it.
“If they don’t have a car parking space, they won’t buy it or they won’t rent it, because if they need a car, they will find somewhere that has parking space.
“The town is too crowded as it is, with cars speeding here, there and everywhere … so the more we get rid of cars, the safer the town centre will be.”
Last night’s meeting approved proposals for a four-storey building containing 30 apartments on the empty site in Old Orchard Road.
The proposal, which came from the council itself, had been recommended for approval, but attracted opposition from some neighbours, including concerns about a lack of parking.
These arrangements were judged acceptable by the council and East Sussex Highways, but were considered to be lacking by adjacent ward councillor Robert Smart (Con).
Cllr Smart said: “I think that Eastbourne borough councillors and officers should not just take East Sussex County Council’s words for read. If you’ve read their response on parking it is hopeless.
“They effectively say the [apartments] should have 28 spaces. We can debate numbers, but they then come down and justify no parking at all.”
Other committee members shared Cllr Smart’s concerns, but the majority ultimately agreed to grant planning permission.
Objectors had also raised concerns about overlooking and overshadowing. For its part, the council said the development would result “insubstantial loss of light to some neighbouring windows, but not to a degree to warrant a refusal”.
Council reports say 12 of the apartments would be guaranteed to be “affordable” properties, as a result of conditions which would be expected to be attached to planning permission.
In its application, however, the council said it intends for all 30 apartments to be affordable, but that this element of the scheme would be voluntary and rely on funding.
The application also stated the apartments would be provided with balconies, along with landscaped communal gardens at the rear.
For further information, see application reference 240418 on Eastbourne Borough Council’s planning website here.
:: Main image courtesy Miller Bourne Architects
