Plans for new zero carbon eco-homes in St Leonards

ArtistConstructor Ltd wants to build four houses on land south-west of Newts Way.

These would have working from home space, gardens and parking.

The scheme is the brainchild of architect Elsie Owusu OBE, whose past work includes redesigns at the Supreme Court and the iconic Green Park underground station.

The plans are also designed to reduce the carbon footprint, increase biodiversity and greater energy and water efficiencies, developers said.

Elsie said: “When we regain some semblance of normality, as I hope we do soon, the scale of how differently we choose to live, work and dwell will come into sharp focus.

“And while we have an innate desire to reconnect with friends and family and to socialise, Covid-19 has brought about a step-change in all our lives.

“As architects it is our responsibility to reflect these changes in the design process, with far greater emphasis on spaces for work and leisure.”

She said the scheme reflected the ‘dire need for action on the climate emergency and planning in the post-Covid 19 era’.

She added: “The scale of home improvements taking place during the pandemic is an indicator of what lies ahead. People have been adjusting their living spaces and things will never be quite the same again. As well as changes to our homes, the impact on our behaviours - how we gather in and use large public spaces - are already being rethought.”

However the application has attracted some opposition from residents.

A petition, set up by Sarah Playford, has been signed by a dozen people.

Objectors said their main concerns were potential disruption and damage to plant life and local wildlife, the size and design, which they say is not in keeping with the area, road safety concerns and loss of privacy.

However, Natural England has raised no objections to the scheme.

In a letter to Hastings Borough Council, it said the plans will ‘not have significant adverse impacts on statutorily protected nature conservation sites or landscapes’.

The scheme has also been backed by Sir David Adjaye OBE, an award-winning Ghanaian-British architect.

In a letter to the council’s planning committee chairman, Cllr Alan Roberts, he said

“In the light of the Covid-19 pandemic, this is significant design innovation. As a zero-carbon building, this family home seeks to mitigate the threats of climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic. It will also contribute to cultural diversity and the rich architectural heritage of East Sussex.”

To comment on the proposals, visit publicaccess.hastings.gov.uk/online-applications and search for reference number HS/FA/20/00959.

* Got a story? Ring reporters Richard Gladstone on 07803 505794 or Stephen Wynn-Davies on 07393 754494.

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