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Public unite to oppose bid for homes
SEAFORD residents were joined by town councillors at a public inquiry to object to plans to build eight homes.
An appeal was lodged following the decision by Lewes District Council to refuse planning permission for the proposed development on land to the rear of 1 to 3 Cornfield Close with access through Mercread Road.
Last week saw an inquiry take place at the council chambers in 37 Church Street and a number of residents turned out to criticise the proposals, along with town planner Alan Edgar who put together the plans with architect David Thomas.
The applicant is Carmine Popora whose company is Vision Homes.
During the inquiry Mary Sims, coordinator of the youth centre in Mercread Road, said she was very concerned about the proposal and added, "If people are going to try to drive past the youth centre in parking bays and out again they are not going to see young people, from looking at the plans I have.
"At the moment the road goes as far as the centre so motorists know the young people are there but if they go past it and around the bend they are not going to see some young people."
Seaford Town Councillor Bob Sinclair also said he has concerns because of the large number of children and teenagers accessing the Mercread Youth Centre.
He mentioned that the facility had benefited from a major new investment which will include a development which is thought to increase the number of young people attending the centre.
He added, "The demolition of a large part of the flint wall to provide a through road access to the proposed new houses would permit and encourage a flow of moving traffic and 'increased traffic levels, congestion and hazards'.
Councillor Bob Allen and Councillor Ralph Taylor both made representations along with Councillor Bob Brown who added, "My personal view is if this site is going to be developed I would rather have seen two and three Cornfield Close demolished and a more robust and all inclusive project over the whole site."
During the inquiry James Pereira for counsel questioned many of the councillors' points and explained that the Highways Authority had not objected to the proposals and that Seaford Town Council actually approved the plans back in October last year.
Mention was also made of a gate, possibly electric, being installed if the Inspector saw traffic speed as a problem.
Following the inquiry Mr Edgar said he and his client Mr Popora were surprised that ward councillors made objections when the plans were approved by Seaford Town Council back in October.
Mr Edgar said, "If we are successful, as we hope, then we would like a co-operative dialogue with the Town Council re the substantial monies, about 60,000 that will be available from my client through the development contributions paid on the development – a legal section 106 agreement has been signed to that effect."
The inspector is due to make a decision by mid-July.
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Weather for Eastbourne
Sunday 27 May 2012
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