Upset Peacehaven mum calls for planning decision to be overturned

On Wednesday, November 4, Lewes District Council planners approved proposals to demolish the Sussex Coaster, a former pub in South Coast Road, and build a 17-unit apartment building in its place.

An earlier version of the scheme had been refused by the committee in January, largely over concerns around the size of the proposed building and its access onto Vernon Avenue.

However, the revised scheme proposed a smaller-scale building with access directly on to South Coast Road instead.

Helena Bass lives next to the building in Vernon Avenue and said she has been fighting against the development for two years.

“My family and I are very unhappy about the council’s decision,” said the 44-year-old.

“My family and I will be overshadowed and feel our privacy will be invaded, the loss of light and the impact on the performance of my solar panels and loss of natural light directly into my house and garden.

“Having all the cars parked along my boundary the fumes and pollution coming up right under our windows and then the noise.  

“Also, the development is out of keeping with the street scene.”

Helena said she and her family feel the council’s decision was based on ‘inaccurate, incomplete and or irrelevant planning considerations’.

“I was in tears,” she added.

“I had written numerous letters objecting with valid reasons as a right of being a direct neighbour.

“I had specifically written another letter of objection hoping it would have been read out at the committee meeting or even taken into account, but instead it was just ignored.

“I believe the council may be in breach of code of conduct for not even considering my letter of objection or even reading it out.”

Councillors unanimously approved the proposal on November 4. But while considered acceptable by the planning committee, the revised scheme remained controversial among many Peacehaven residents.

Among those to voice their objections was Peacehaven town councillor Isobel Sharkey, who submitted a representation on behalf of the town council.

In it, cllr Sharkey said: “The proposed block of flats does not respond sympathetically to its surroundings and would certainly change the appearance, character and ambiance of this part of the road in a detrimental way. It is not compatible with the location in terms of scale, height and massing.

“Despite amendment to the plan, the proposed building would cause a loss of privacy and light to the neighbouring dwellings, to the north and east in particular.”

Cllr Sharkey went on to raise concerns about the development’s impact on local infrastructure and urged the committee to refuse it.

Unlike the earlier scheme, the development will not include any office space below the apartments. It is to be made up of 11 one-bed flats and six two-bed flats.

It will also have solar panels on its roof and four electric car charging stations for residents.

None of the apartments are to be affordable, due to developer concerns around the financial viability of the scheme.

While this is not challenged by the council, approval was only granted subject to a £91,000 contribution towards off-site affordable housing.

A spokesman for the district council said: “The proposed redevelopment of this site was considered by the planning committee on November 4, with members voting to approve the scheme subject to legal agreement.

“The committee carefully considered all the feedback received following neighbour notifications and consultation with statutory consultees.

“There were very few objections made to the new scheme but the concerns raised were given full consideration.

“When complete the development will provide greatly needed new homes in the area and as part of the planning permission a contribution of £91,000 will be made towards affordable homes in the Lewes district, along with approximately £105,000, which will go towards community infrastructure.”

For further information on the scheme see application reference LW/20/0204 on the district council website.

To sign Helena’s petition, visit https://www.change.org/p/lewes-district-council-stop-the-demolition-of-the-sussex-coaster.