Plan to turn Hailsham office building into apartments is approved

On Thursday (October 15), Wealden District Council’s Minors Planning Committee unanimously approved proposals from DP Goodwin Ltd to extend and convert a former office building at 5 North Street, creating eight apartments.

The application had been called in to the committee by its chairman, Cllr Alison Wilson. As the discussion began, however, she told councillors her concerns had been addressed.

She said: “I called this in because when the officer report came to me there were heritage concerns over the design and the heritage officer hadn’t had an opportunity to comment on the revised design.

“I understand now that they have and they are happy.”

Cllr Wilson noted the council’s own economic development officers had objected because the scheme would result in the loss of town centre office space.

However, she also noted how the applicant had a “fall back position” as permitted development rights already allow for the building to be converted into six apartments (without the extension).

Given this she proposed the committee approve the scheme, which was agreed.

As noted the design of the scheme was amended from what had first been proposed. This saw the size of the rear extension reduced to two storeys.

The proposed extension would replace an existing one and a two-storey projection at the rear of the building.

The extension would accommodate a self-contained flat on each of its floors and the main body of the building would be converted to accommodate two flats on each of its three floors.

Car parking is to be provided at the rear of the site.