'˜Dubai' dig at plan to build Cooden flats

A BID to renew plans for a castle-like luxury home in Cooden Drive to be pulled down and replaced with six flats brought a silent protest this week when a makeshift poster was placed outside the property next to official planning notices.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Oct 2010, 12:14 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 21:24 BST

It featured pound signs linked to the word “greed” and the message: “No more flats. This is Cooden, not Dubai. No more concrete.”

Written in marker ink on a piece of white plastic, the protest notice was propped against the boundary wall of number 207 Cooden Drive, Balsorano.

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Its creator has remained anonymous, but is clearly incensed by the possible renewal of consent to demolish the distinctive house, an outbuilding and swimming-pool and replace them with six apartments and parking.

The scheme follows an earlier redevelopment nearby, which resulted in the creation of 22 flats after a former rest home weas demolished.

Jan Richards, of Mayflower Planning Services in Silvester Road, Bexhill, is the agent acting for Balsorano’s owner, a Mr F Forte, and said: “ He no longer lives there, but has every right to do as he wishes with his property, subject to the planning regulations.

“These are being strictly adhered to and it seems this protest is simply a case of sour grapes.”

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Full details of the proposals, application number RR/2010/2225/P, registered on September 8, can be viewed on Rother District Council’s website: www.rother.gov.uk

LEFT: The building in Cooden Drive

RIGHT: The sign protesting against the flats development

Related topics:BIDBexhill