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 with its surroundings.
He also wrote that the traffic flow to a cul-de-sac would be inappropriate and that it would also overshadow the nearby historic Martello Tower by the sea.
The Liberal Democrat councillor added: “I am also concerned about the loss of light and overlooking of the houses in Martinique Way already built.” He gives his address as Eastbourne Town Hall.
Coun Holt’s comments are one of more than 240 objections to the planning application from Untold Living which have been lodged on the council’s own website. There are also ten comments in support.
He told the Eastbourne Reporter that he had chosen to object as an Eastbourne resident because he had concerns about the site. He pointed out that he is a not the ward councillor and is not a member of the planning committee so was able to register his objections as a citizen.
In his weekly update, to be published on Friday, Coun Holt will state: “This site, in my mind, is wholly unsuitable for a care home, with the design not in keeping with the style of surrounding buildings, the road infrastructure unsuitable and potential damage to the nearby Martello tower.
“I know that this site has caused much debate locally. Planning is a complicated legal matter, and whilst we can make representations, it is highly regulated. This development will be going to planning committee, and I know that councillors on that committee will carefully consider the options going forward for this area, as well as the proposals and objections put forward.”
The Sovereign Harbour Residents Association has lodged an objection, saying it represents 1,500 residents.
It says that planning permission was granted in 2016 for 67 apartments and 12 houses. The houses have been built nearby but the new application for 137 flats is more than double the original number.
The association has also cited objections which include overdevelopment of the site, a “significant” increase in traffic, inadequate car parking and overshadowing of the neighbouring block in Anguilla Close.
It also said that the location near the Martello Tower “compromises the integrity and beauty of this protected building”.
A flood risk assessment by consulting engineers Campbell Reith on the council’s planning portal shows the area at high risk of tidal flooding and as being in a “high probability” zone of sea flooding as defined by the Environment Agency.
The deadline to register comments on the application (application number 230847) is Saturday 10 February.
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