Eastbourne Borough Council has refused plans to build new homes on land behind West Cliff Mansions in Meads, following objections from residents and a councillor.

The plans would have replaced the existing single storey garages with a three storey terrace of houses in a tight space bordered by South Cliff Avenue, Silverdale Road, West Cliff Mansions and Rustington Court.

Residents warned the scheme would cause unacceptable loss of light, overlooking and harm to the character of upper Meads and a similar proposal on the site was rejected in 2020.

Speaking at the planning committee, Cllr Robert Smart highlighted that the council had received 93 representations, setting out objections on 19 different material planning considerations from all four sides of the proposed development.

Tony Gale (left) and Cllr Robert Smart (Right) looking at the view that would have been blocked. Photo: contributed

placeholder image — Tony Gale (left) and Cllr Robert Smart (Right) looking at the view that would have been blocked. Photo: contributed

He reminded councillors that the committee has previously refused elevated site schemes in nearby streets where height differences led to harmful overlooking, decisions which have consistently been upheld by the Planning Inspectorate.

Cllr Smart said: “This application represented yet another wholly misguided attempt to cram in as many residential units into a small space against the wishes, and to the detriment, of adjoining residents.

“Replacing low garages with a three storey terrace right up against South Cliff Avenue homes would have had completely unacceptable consequences. That in itself should have been enough to refuse this application.

“Meads is already providing significant new housing. Pushing through a cramped development on this very constrained site in a part of town that people value for its character and architecture would have been an abomination.

“I urged the committee to use their discretion in favour of residents while they still can, and I am pleased they have done so.”

South Cliff Avenue resident Tony Gale said the refusal was a huge relief.

He said: “If this scheme had gone ahead, the view from our living room would have been replaced by a looming terrace and we would have lost the natural light we rely on every day.

“It felt like we were being asked to sacrifice our home environment for the sake of squeezing in a few more units. I am very grateful to Cllr Smart and to everyone who spoke up. This decision shows that residents’ concerns can still make a difference.”