By Huw Oxburgh, BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporter
A developer has submitted plans to replace a multi-storey car park near the station in Eastbourne with more than 100 homes.
In plans validated by Eastbourne Borough Council last week, developer Elstree Land is seeking planning permission to demolish the now-closed multi-storey car park in Junction Road and build 101 apartments.
The developer says the replacement building would be five storeys tall at its highest point, but would be stepped down in height at certain points to reflect neighbouring properties.
“The development will provide attractive open space, opportunities for enjoyment, recreation and play, which respond to local need, as well as enhancing biodiversity on the site where possible,” it says.
“The layout has been designed to promote sustainable modes of transport by ensuring that alternative options are convenient, attractive and safe, and by ensuring that the development is accessible, well overlooked and inviting to people of all abilities, ages and cultural groups.”
The statement goes on to describe the proposals as the “regeneration of an eyesore site”, pictured above.
Although only recently validated, the application has already attracted several comments from nearby residents. While several are supportive of redevelopment in principle, some concerns have been raised around its scale and impact on parking.
According to the application, the redeveloped site would include 60 off-street parking spaces. Some objectors argued this was insufficient for the 101 apartments, although developers said the building’s residents would be expected to have lower-than-average car ownership due to close proximity to rail and bus connections.
The site would also have a large amount of cycle storage, which developers say equates to one per bedroom.
For further information about the proposals, see application reference 240415 on the Eastbourne Borough Council website.
:: Main image: DHA Architecture Ltd
