Care home plan rejected

Upper storeys of a proposed rear extension had no windows facing over the garden.

Full planning permission was sought to join two existing Albert Road properties together with a new central entrance and change the use to the existing house and hotel to a 31-bed care home.

The scheme involved two rear extensions and a conservatory.

The highway authority recommended refusal because of the absence of on-site parking.

Planning permission had already been granted for change of use from a hotel to a private home.

The meeting was told the applicants were making the submission in order to relocate their existing care home in order to keep their residents together.

Last Thursday's meeting was told that the scheme would involve the removal of trees from the back garden and that these did not have public amenity value but were doubtless appreciated by neighbours.

Councillors were also told that Rother's conservation officer believes the proposal in a street of properties dating from 1900 would be detrimental to the town centre conservation area.

Officers recommended refusal on the grounds that the scheme would be detrimental to the conservation area by eroding the distinctive nature of the semi-detached period villas in the road.

The committee's incredulity at the plan was summed up by Cllr Brian Kentfield.

Ward member Cllr Joy Hughes said town centre parking was already "horrendous." She dreaded to think what extra development would do.

Members voted to reject the application.