Concern over old Observer building proposal awareness

The neighbours surrounding the Old Observer building are concerned about the public awareness of the proposal to built five new floors on top of it.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Feb 2016, 07:55 BST
Updated 17th Feb 2016, 06:22 BST

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An artist's impression of the revised plans for the old Observer building SUS-151230-113408001An artist's impression of the revised plans for the old Observer building SUS-151230-113408001
An artist's impression of the revised plans for the old Observer building SUS-151230-113408001

Flint Development Group unveiled revised plans to provide accommodation for 230 students, an art-house cinema and a shop/restaurant at Cambridge Road site in December.

But after planning notices were sent out on Friday (February 5), some residents are worried not enough people who will be affected by the proposal know about it.

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Bruce Rolston said the notices were not delivered to enough people as he believes Hastings Borough Council sent them to the minimum area.

“We’re not opposed to the idea of student accommodation itself, it’s just a gross over-development as it’s too high,” he said.

“Everyone thinks its going to be a community asset but the bulk of the development is the student housing and I don’t think enough people realise.

“So few people know about it when it will be a huge blot on our landscape.”

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There have only been four public comments on the application, with three negative and all concerned about the height of the proposal.

The notice says the deadline for comments is in 21 days, so February 26.

Mr Rolston said he would be happier if the developers only added two or three floors on top, but five is too many.

It was originally seven extra floors when the plans were first revealed last summer.

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But the revised application showed Flint had taken two off after more than 500 consultations were carried out.

Chief executive officer Jeff Kirby said in December: “To make this project work economically and be a real success for the town, we have had to go up.

“But we’ve listened to the community and have dramatically reduced the height from our original plans.”

To view the application visit: www.hastings.gov.uk/planning.

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