New bid to demolish pub

A SECOND bid has made to demolish the Beachcomber pub on Seaford seafront and replace it with flats for the frail and elderly.

The original application by developers McCarthy and Stone was fiercely opposed. Many people said the loss of the last pub on the promenade would kill the town's tourist trade.

The company's latest application will be considered by Seaford Town Council and the developers have asked to attend a planning meeting to make a second presentation.

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When McCarthy and Stone came to discuss the original proposal in June last year, hundreds turned out to air their objections and the meeting ran to four hours.

The first application was for a five-storey block with 88 apartments.

The revised application is for 66 apartments and 22 affordable housing units, access, car parking, landscaping and ancillary facilities.

John Clayton, of Dane Road, who opposed the first plan, said he would object again.

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'I think the reasons are the same as what we all said before '“ it is an iconic place,' he said. The Beachcomber is Seaford and it is the last pub on the seafront. I think it is something we should be fighting to save.'

The Mayor, Cllr Ralph Taylor, said: 'I suspect the feeling will be the same. By the time word gets out about the second application, a lot of people will come to the meeting when we discuss it.'

Town council leader Jon Freeman said: 'The seafront needs a family restaurant and hotel and then they can put flats above. We do not need flats for the frail and elderly '“ a lot of them probably wouldn't enjoy living there especially in weather we have had recently.

'Whatever the merits of the application, it does not help Seaford at all. The seafront is particularly bland and lacks attractions.'

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The application can be viewed at the town council offices at 37 Church Street from next Wednesday after 2pm and then from Monday-Friday 9.30am-4.30pm.

Comments must be received by Lewes District Council no later than February 8.

The town council's planning committee is expected to discuss the application on February 7.