Carbuncle on Colonnade

One of the main voices in the debate on the future of the seafront, Mr Hodson has drawn attention to parts of the plan he describes as "seriously detrimental" and "a monstrous carbuncle".

He says he is "happy" with the revised scheme apart from the staircase into the centre of the rear retaining wall, to give access from the roof terrace to ground floor level.

He said this would "destroy a historic and unique feature of the

building fabric, which has been concealed behind a brick partition for circa 40 years and used as a cupboard.

He claims after removal of the partition this original feature would form a valuable and attractive addition to the restaurant seating area, "thus enhancing and complementing the refubishment".

"Furthermore I do not understand how this proposal to perform a major structural alteration to the original building fabric can be reconciled with the Grade 2 Listed Status."

Mr Hodson, of Cooden Sea Road, believes this would be a "retrograde" measure taking out part of the original structure and has sent his objection to Tim Hickling at Rother District Council's planning department.

He is also opposed to the suggestion of a large flat-roofed glass tower which would enclose the top of the staircase above roof terrace level, and feels this glass dome would "clash with and disrupt" the classical style of the two existing domed pavilions and sit uncomfortably in its surroundings.

"It's huge and will look terrible from the Pavilion," he told the Observer this week.

Mr Hodson believes it would "interfere with and clutter the visual aspects from both the De La Warr Pavilion and the Colonnade terrace, a monstrous carbuncle on the current pleasant landscape in front of the Pavilion terrace."

He added: "The Colonnade structure already suffers from considerable vandalism, as the Beach Inspector can confirm. A structure such as this proposed glazed enclosure, isolated and exposed on the back edge of the roof terrace, must represent a further irresistible target for vandalism. The curved glass panels will be hugely expensive to replace."

He suggests that the staircase and the glass tower contravene the Listed Building Status of the Colonnade and DLWP and are also "of dubious practical merit" and should be omitted from the proposal.

RDC's Project officer Jan Windle said: "It is completely inaccurate to say the new staircase connecting the upper terrace to the lower Colonnade will remove any of the original structure.

"The Colonnade is in need of refurbishment work to preserve it for future generations. The scheme will see this much needed work take place, as well as providing an improved offer for visitors to the seafront."