Developer's plans to build 9 homes at Hastings' former Hollingsworth garage site given go-ahead

The houses will be located at the former Hollingsworth Garage site in Braybrooke Road, which has remained empty for more than 20 years.

The plans state each property will have four bedrooms and a garden, with a total of 18 off-street car parking spaces available.

Residents in the area have voiced their support for the scheme, commenting on Hastings Borough Council's planning portal.

One said: “It is well past time something decent was built on the site. My overwhelming view is that these houses, when built, will be an asset to the area and will markedly improve the aspect and ambience of that part of Braybrooke Road.”

Another resident said: “Living near the derelict site for over 23 years, I am eager to see progress and development take place. The prospect of having a completed development not only improves the aesthetics of the road but also adds value to both the properties in the area and the area itself, which have long suffered from the blight of the vacant lot.”

And another said: “This piece of land has been derelict for too many years and long overdue some quality, new residential accommodation.”

However, one resident raised concerns over parking, saying: “With no alternative parking arrangements for existing residents, we will lose these 10 or so spaces as outlined in the transport report, thus creating more problems for on-street parking. Further dedicated parking for existing residents will be required.”

A planning statement by Planning Resolution Ltd, on behalf of Biophilic Homes Ltd, said: “The proposed development would deliver nine much-needed high-quality contemporary homes that successfully address the constraints of the site, integrates, and complements the surrounding local context, and contributes to the wider context in terms of long-distance views and the adjoining conservation area.

“This planning application follows an earlier planning application, which was submitted in October 2021 for the ‘Proposed development to provide 22 dwellings comprising a terrace of 10 three-storey four-bedroom houses and a three-storey flatted block comprising 12 one- and two-bedroom homes fronting Braybrooke Road with off-street car parking’. This planning application was withdrawn in February 2022.

“A total of 18 off-street car parking spaces are provided, with each house having two dedicated driveway parking spaces each.

“While the site is not within a conservation area the proposed development aims to show an appreciation of the surrounding neighbourhood’s historic context and street patterns.

“The street elevation is a modern interpretation of the neighbouring Edwardian terrace where typical architectural elements have been used, such as bay windows, the rhythm of the windows on the front elevation, coloured render and canopied entrances.”