Eastbourne 250-home development returns to committee for a third time

On Tuesday (February 23), Eastbourne Borough Council planners are set to again consider an application related to proposals to build 250 houses on the Friday Street Farm site, off of Pennine Way.

The wider proposals have already been given outline planning permission by Wealden, but its access arrangements – via Pennine Way – need to get the go ahead from Eastbourne Borough Council as well.

This part of the application has already been before the committee twice already – first in November, then in January – but was deferred both times as councillors sought “safeguards”, including guarantees on highways improvement works.

Since January’s meeting, officers say these safeguards have been secured through further discussions. These include the construction of vision splays around the site’s entrance at Pennine Way and other road safety mitigation – including traffic calming measures – along the road.

Officers also say other safeguards would include guaranteed funding for other highways improvement works, particularly those to the Golden Jubilee Way and Dittons Road junction.

In a report to be considered by the committee, a council planning officer said: “The applicants have confirmed that the Pennine Way highways works will be paid for by them and delivered prior to any commencement on the development site.

“East Sussex County Council (ESCC) have confirmed that the Lion Hill junction works have been completed to their satisfaction and they have pledged to keep the capacity of this junction under review. 

“ESCC have outlined that the Golden Jubilee Way and Dittons Road junction form part of a £35m scheme for the A22 that looks at improvements to a number of junctions/roundabouts between Eastbourne and North Hailsham. 

“These works are to be funded by central government and ESCC have stated that they have a high degree of confidence that these are will be delivered in the near future.” 

It added: “Wealden District Council have confirmed that if the wider project monies do not materialise then they hold sufficient funds to cover the works required by ESCC for Golden Jubilee roundabout/Dittons Road.”

Officers, who are recommending the scheme be approved, say these safeguards would be secured through a legal agreement, which would be tied to the planning permission. 

This legal agreement would also make Eastbourne Borough Council a joint signatory of an agreement covering the wider development, giving the authority joint enforcement powers with Wealden.

For further details see application reference 190706 on the Eastbourne Borough Council website.