One into four won't go '“ yet, say Hastings councillors

Members of Hastings Borough Council's planning board met to discuss the proposals for the house in Shepherd Street last week but could not decide whether or not to grant permission.

The local authority had received 11 letters objecting to the scheme as well as a petition, and a spokesman for the campaigners slammed the plans as unsuitable.

They also raised fears over potential over-looking problems caused by putting a self-contained flat on the top floor.

They said: "It would be a problem for both number 6 Shepherd Street and the gardens of homes in North Street."

Councillors Joy Waite and Peter Armstrong were both unwilling to make a judgement call on the plans without first holding a site visit. And it was a sentiment shared by Cllr Godfrey Daniel, who was particularly concerned about a tight fitting alleyway leading to the property.

The rotund councillor said: "I do not particularly like this application.

"A person of my girth would have trouble walking down that alleyway - it is potentially a safety nightmare."

Councillors agreed to defer a decision until they had visited the site.