Planning meeting disrupted

A COUNCIL planning meeting ground to a halt when it was disrupted by angry Peacehaven residents.

The group of five were furious when they were told they could not join in with councillors' discussion at the Denton Island Training and Business Centre, on Wednesday last week, and complained noisily.

They were objecting to plans to convert a large two-storey detached house, formerly used as a nursing home, at 23 Firle Road, into six one-bedroom flats. Eight letters of objection were sent to the council, complaining the flats were not suitable for a quiet residential area and extra noise and traffic would be caused.

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However, councillors agreed that levels would not be high enough to refuse the bid and gave planning permission.

It was then the objectors caused a commotion and were asked to leave. Several councillors attempted to calm them down as they left the room.

One elderly man, who was handed a leaflet on Lewes District Council procedure, tore it up and threw it on the floor. Others claimed they were being denied their democratic right to speak and one exclaimed 'bulls***' when councillors tried to explain the reason why.

Members of the public are only allowed to speak at planning meetings if they have lodged their wish to do so before it starts and then only for two minutes.

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Cllr Eddie Collict, who attempted to placate the group, said he appreciated some people did not understand the rules and how it could lead to frustration.

He added: 'Some of them had made written objections and had had cards back saying what they needed to do if they wanted to speak.

'But I really felt I didn't want them to go away feeling no one cared and they hadn't been heard.'