Controversial Hastings bungalow refused for AONB impact

A controversial proposal for a bungalow just outside Hastings has been turned down for its '˜unacceptable' impact on the area.
Hastings Borough Council refused it due to the impact on the environment ENGSUS00120130430155142Hastings Borough Council refused it due to the impact on the environment ENGSUS00120130430155142
Hastings Borough Council refused it due to the impact on the environment ENGSUS00120130430155142

The applicant wanted to build a three-bedroom bungalow chalet with a detached double garage on Fairlight Down, near Mill Lane.

But Hastings Borough Council’s planning officer refused his application due to the effect on the neighbouring High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) as well as the lack of affordable housing.

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“The proposed erection of a dwelling on this site is considered to have an unacceptable impact on the visual qualities and distinctive character of the

AONB and the local countryside,” the officer’s report said.

Fairlight Down is the highest point in the Hastings area and the scheme would also border Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve and a local wildlife site.

The friends of the country park strongly opposed the scheme, along with 18 other objection letters, fearing the affect on the AONB, the prominence of the dwelling and the impact on biodiversity.

Friends committee member Steve Peak said: “The friends were also especially concerned that this project would be the beginning of ribbon development along Mill Lane, turning that rural area into yet another suburb of the town.

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“We thank the council for making such an important decision, and hope they will be similarly tough when tackling other serious threats to the country park and its surroundings.”

The report also states that the owner’s siting of a caravan on the affected piece of ground has been done without permission, and is therefore not considered to be lawful.

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