A social housing development in Eastbourne has secured planning permission.

Eastbourne Borough Council’s planning committee approved proposals to create seven one-bedroom flats by converting and extending a former supported living facility at 24a Victoria Road.

The committee heard how the proposals had been put forward by Southdown Housing Association Ltd to use the apartments as ‘long‑term general needs social housing’.

Concern was raised about its impact on the surrounding area.

The existing building in Victoria Road. Image credit: Eastbourne Borough Council.

placeholder image — The existing building in Victoria Road. Image credit: Eastbourne Borough Council.

Conservative councillor Jane Lamb said: “I am concerned about this, because it is basically semi-supported accommodation and possibly for some people who are vulnerable and needy. And therefore, I would think you would need an on-site manager there all the time.”

Cllr Lamb called on the committee to ensure a ‘much firmer’ management plan be put in place.

However, Cllr Beverly Sayers-Cooper (Lib Dem) said: “I have had the good fortune, both as a councillor and a community worker, of working … alongside Southdown Housing and [I can] see them managing this property really well.”

Neighbours had raised concerns about the scheme’s design, arguing the extension being sought would represent an overdevelopment of the site and lead to a loss of privacy.

The existing building (above) and its proposed appearance as a result of the works (below). Image credit: Southdown Housing Association Ltd

The proposals include external changes intended to modernise the building and improve its thermal performance.

The works are also expected to involve the application of a new off‑white rendered finish and reconfiguring the building’s windows. Each flat will have its own air source heat pump.

The committee agreed to approve the scheme in line with a recommendation from officers.

This decision was taken after a split vote in which three members voted for approval and three against. Committee chairman Hugh Parker used his casting vote to break the tie in favour of approval.