Eastbourne hotel to be converted into flats

Revised proposals to convert an Eastbourne hotel into flats have been given the go ahead by town planners.
The Savoy Court Hotel Cavendish Place Eastbourne September 2nd 2013 E36055P ENGSUS00120130309092958The Savoy Court Hotel Cavendish Place Eastbourne September 2nd 2013 E36055P ENGSUS00120130309092958
The Savoy Court Hotel Cavendish Place Eastbourne September 2nd 2013 E36055P ENGSUS00120130309092958

Poposals for a total conversion of the Savoy Court Hotel in Cavendish Place, creating a block of 15 single-bed flats was approved by Eastbourne Borough Council’s planning committee on Tuesday.

Before making a decision the committee heard how officers considered the scheme to overcome the flaws of a previous application – for 15 two-bedroom flats –  which had been refused in June due to size standards.

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Changes from the previous scheme also included the re-positioning of bathrooms in all 15 properties, allowing natural light and ventilation.

Architect's drawings of the Savoy Court Hotel.Architect's drawings of the Savoy Court Hotel.
Architect's drawings of the Savoy Court Hotel.

As a result of the changes, the scheme won support from several committee members including Janet Coles (Lib Dem. – Old Town).

She said: “For me, [the building] is so nice to look at it is really nice to know we can keep that piece of architecture.

“I think the idea of having improved accommodation with the flats is really excellent and the possibility for single people being able to live within the town centre is a good accommodation.

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“It seems to me that the developer has gone a long way to overcome the fears we had last time round.”

The scheme also won the support of Paul Metcalfe (Con. -Sovereign). He said: “I think this application now meets all the requirements.

“I think it would make good use of this building. We need one-bedroom flats. There are a lot of single workers out there and a lot of hotels are served by them.”

Meads councillor Barry Taylor (Con), however, was less enthusiastic in his support. He said: “I think the loss of another hotel in Eastbourne is very disappointing, but I have to go along with officers’ recommendation.

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“My only concern is for the lower ground floor, what used to be used as the hotel dining room.

“I remember when some of these buildings were flooded out many years ago and I know that has all changed now but with the water level so close to the seafront I worry that if it wasn’t converted properly then it could be a dank and very miserable place to live.”

Following a short discussion the application was unanimously approved by the committee. The committee also granted an application for listed building consent at the same meeting.