Residents object to plans for 41 new flats in St Leonards

A number of residents have expressed their objection to plans for 41 new flats off a residential road in St Leonards.
Willow Glen, St Leonards. Picture: GoogleWillow Glen, St Leonards. Picture: Google
Willow Glen, St Leonards. Picture: Google

The proposed development at Willow Glen, located at the top end of Upper Glen Road, seeks permission for the construction of two additional floors on top of the current building at the site which would almost double the number of occupants. The proposal includes 26 studio and 15 one-bedroom flats.

Currently, the building is home to 44 flats which are spread across three floors, and has 12 on-site parking spaces.

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In a planning and design statement submitted alongside the application, Liam Russell Architects said the additional 41 flats would not have access to on-street parking.

The lack of parking has caused concern for a number of residents who have written to the council to object to the application.

Marian O'Shea said the lack of parking in Willow Glen has already led to residents parking in Upper Glen Road, where she lives.

She said cars are often parked on the pavement which results in pedestrians, and wheelchair and pushchair users going on to the road to get past.

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Another resident, who asked not to be named, said the lack of parking makes it difficult for emergency services to get through and said the additional flats would make the problem worse.

He said even if half of the new residents had cars, there would be no space for an additional 20 vehicles in Upper Glen Road.

The application has been submitted to Hastings Borough Council for 'prior approval' allowing the council to assess the proposal on its design and appearance, impact upon neighbours, highways and parking, flooding and contamination.

The application has so far received 25 comments from residents mostly all objecting the application due to the lack of parking.

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Mrs O'Shea said the residents of Upper Glen Road are 'totally against' the application, adding she has concerns for her privacy as the new flats would overlook her property.

The planning application can be found on the Hastings Borough Council planning portal (https://www.hastings.gov.uk/planning/) by searching HS/PA/20/00758.