Plans for 95 new Eastbourne flats turned down

A bid to convert the disused telephone exchange in Eastbourne into 95 homes has been turned down by town planners.
A CGI of what the development in Moy Avenue could have looked like SUS-161117-102545001A CGI of what the development in Moy Avenue could have looked like SUS-161117-102545001
A CGI of what the development in Moy Avenue could have looked like SUS-161117-102545001

Developers wanted to build the one and two bedroom flats with 91 car parking spaces on the Moy Avenue site, on the corner of Waterworks Road and opposite Courtlands Road and has been vacant and abandoned for a number of years and targeted by vandals.

The application was to convert and extend the existing building to create 38 flats in one four storey block and build another two four storey blocks alongside it.

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But members of Eastbourne’s planning committee turned down the application on Tuesday night saying it would be an over development of the site.

Decorative graffiti on boards in Moy Avenue (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-160302-193418008Decorative graffiti on boards in Moy Avenue (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-160302-193418008
Decorative graffiti on boards in Moy Avenue (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-160302-193418008

The decision came despite a recommendation from planning officers who warned members if developers appeal, the council would be likely to lose and be hit with costs for “unreasonable behaviour”.

A council planning spokesperson said, “Given the level of development proposed it is acknowledged there are issues of activity, car parking density, access/vehicle movement issues and overlooking issues that will result from the development.

“However it is considered these issues, individually or collectively do not amount to sufficient grounds to the justify a refusal of planning permission.

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More than 36 objections from people living near the site were sent to the council from residents concerned at an increase in traffic, the impact on the Waterworks Road traffic lights, the buildings would be too high, and more homes would be a strain on existing health and school services.

Decorative graffiti on boards in Moy Avenue (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-160302-193418008Decorative graffiti on boards in Moy Avenue (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-160302-193418008
Decorative graffiti on boards in Moy Avenue (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-160302-193418008

The building was occupied by British Telecom as a telephone exchange centre including maintenance/service yard but since it closed has been targeted by vandals which led to artwork being painted on hoardings surrounding the site.