A proposal has been forward to Eastbourne Borough Council to transform the former BT telephone exchange into 36 new homes.

The former telephone exchange on Moy Avenue has been sitting vacant for a considerable amount of time and now SMN Planning and Development Support have put in a proposal recently to turn the old building into homes.

A proposal was last put forward for the building in 2018 but plans fell through and nothing happened to it.

Steve Neocleous, director and owner of SMN Development and Support put forward the application as well as organised a drop-in session on November, 4 for the public to come and see the plans.

He proposes to create 36 new homes, comprising a mix of two, three and four-bedroom properties, together with 78 parking spaces. In an email sent to the council and seen by the Herald he said: “As you may be aware, the former BT Exchange has remained vacant for a considerable period and has become increasingly neglected, detracting from the appearance and character of the surrounding area. The site has also been the subject of previous planning applications, including an earlier proposal for 36 homes.

“We believe the current proposals represent an opportunity to bring this long-neglected site back into productive use, delivering much-needed new homes while addressing its deteriorating condition and concerns associated with antisocial behaviour.

“As a former District Councillor and Cabinet Member at Adur District Council myself, I appreciate the importance of ensuring that elected members are kept informed about emerging development proposals, particularly where these may have implications for neighbouring communities.”