THE JPK Project’s plans to build a residential centre for people with learning difficulties was rejected by planners last night (Tuesday).
Eastbourne Borough Council’s planning committee gave the plans at the Edgmond Church site in Old Town the red light at Eastbourne Town Hall.
Jill Parker, founder of the JPK Project, wanted to turn the old church in to a residential home with 16 en-suite studio apartments, eight flatlets, communal rooms, tea rooms and a charity shop.
The aim is to provide a centre where people can live, work and enjoy recreational facilities.
The council turned it down because they felt parking was an issue and they said the busy A259, Church Street, could cause problems if delivery drivers, visitors and staff reversed out on to the road.
The scheme had been recommended for approval by planning officers but councillors felt unable to follow those recommendations.
Cllr Gorodon Jenkins said, “I have every support for what they are trying to do.
“It is something that is necessary and so needed, and I fully support it but I think the site itself is in the wrong location.
“It is such a shame.”
Cllr Jenkins said his main concern was the parking and said he felt it was an ‘absolute tragedy’ that he felt unable to vote to approve the plans.
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