Conversion plans for empty Seaford nursing home turned down

On Wednesday (July 1), Lewes District Council’s planning committee considered an application to convert Bybuckle Court in Marine Parade into six apartments. 

While the proposals had been recommended for approval (and had the support of several committee members), the application was refused due to concerns around some of the flats failing to meet national size standards.

According to planning papers, five of the six flats were considered to be marginally undersized; an issue officers felt was acceptably mitigated in some of the apartments through the inclusion of balconies and outside spaces.

Among those to raise concerns was Cllr Graham Amy (Lib Dem, Newhaven South), who said: “These regulations in some senses are the minimum standards and sadly, in my town, lots of terraced houses have been converted and they seem too small for two people or even four people.

“I’m still not happy with the fact that if it was a newbuild we would have to reach those standards, but because we have accepted that it is a conversion we are happy to have a lesser standard.”

Cllr Imogen Makepeace (Green, Lewes Priory), meanwhile, said: “I too am uncomfortable about the size. I think it is fine that we have smaller flats available for single people and people who are not families. 

“If these were what we might call affordable flats I might be more minded to acknowledge that they are useful.”

Other councillors felt differently however, arguing the scheme would provide “much-needed” housing. 

Among those to speak in support was Cllr Tom Jones (Con, Ditchling and Westmeston), who said: “My attention is drawn to the fact that there is much need for accommodation all over the district. 

“I think it is quite acceptable for us to take the view that on this occasion we can [accept] because we know there are accommodation needs.” 

Following further discussion the scheme was refused the scheme on vote of five to three. On officers’ advice, this refusal described the scheme as an overdevelopment and also raised concerns about parking in the area.

Only five parking spaces were to have been provided as part of the proposals, however, it had initially been considered acceptable by planning officers as long as the spaces remained unallocated.

While planning papers said the proposal would lead to the loss of a working care home, the committee also heard that the care home had already closed its doors.

However, the committee was warned the loss of jobs was not a planning matter and should not form part of the decision.

The applicant behind the scheme had been serving district councillor Jim Lord, who co-owns the facility with his wife and fellow district councillor Sylvia Lord.

As part of the planning committee, Cllr Sylvia Lord declared a prejudicial interest and took no part in the debate. Cllr Laurence O’Connor (Lab) also declared a prejudicial interest in the application and took no part.

For more information on the proposals see application reference LW/20/0058 on the Lewes District Council planning website.

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