Eastbourne residents say plans to knock down nursing homes will ‘change character of area completely’

They also fear ‘extensive loss of outlook, privacy and noise issues’, if the development goes ahead.

The Summerdown and Pentlow nursing homes on Summerdown Road could be knocked down and housing would be built if plans submitted to Eastbourne Borough Council are approved.

According to the plans, seven three-storey four-bed houses, two two-storey three-bed houses and a three-storey block of one-bed flats would be built – a total of 27 new dwellings.

All properties would also have a private garden and/or balcony with secure outdoor storage and allocated parking.

Local residents have been asked to comment on the plans which have attracted a lot of interest.

Bertie Strange, the spokesperson for Summerdown Residents Group, said, “As significant developments which may be pivotal in establishing the future appearance of the Summerdown area and setting a precedent for the future, it is therefore of critical importance to ensure that they harmonise with the appearance, character and local distinctiveness of the local environment for future generations.

“Residents fear there is now a real risk that the new proposals will change the character of the area completely and are dismayed that they are once again faced with designs which seem to be a flagrant disregard of the borough’s planning policies.

“In essence, where there originally stood three properties, these proposals are seeking to replace them with 27 dwellings, a huge increase in density.”

The group said the impact the plans would have on neighbours would be ‘severe’ and argued there has been a lack of consultation around the proposals.

Bertie said, “The residents have also not been consulted by the applicant concerning this residential development although they are keen and willing to help and comment on any design with a hope that it would be acceptable to all parties.

“They are also surprised that they have been advised by the planners to comment on these applications by February 25, having found that there is not sufficient information on the council’s website to determine the height of these buildings and that some drawings are out of focus and illegible.”

The group has said it would be ‘totally out of character’ for the Summerdown area and would also bring a ‘huge increase’ in traffic.

Bertie said, “The designs as put forward are seen by neighbours to be a complete over-development of the site and will cause an extensive loss of outlook, privacy and noise issues.

“From the design and access statements made by the applicant, they refer to significant joint working with the planning officers for each site giving an impression that their plans are acceptable.

“After studying in detail all information available online, people are very concerned that not enough information has been presented and that the borough’s plan has not been adopted and interpreted correctly.”

Read this: Plans for Summerdown and Pentlow nursing homes