Hastings flats allowed on appeal by planning inspector
In a decision published earlier this month, a planning inspector gave developers the go ahead to demolish a property at 355 London Road and build a block of nine flats in its place.
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Hide AdThe scheme had initially been refused by Hastings Borough Council officers (under delegated powers) because of concerns around its potential impact on residents of 1 Bohemia Road, a neighbouring property.
Officers argued the proposed development would have a “dominating impact” on that building due to its size and bulk.
Officers also had concerns around the developer’s plans to place a bin storage area in front of the building, arguing that it would impact on the appearance of the area and potentially lead to more littering.
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Hide AdDuring the appeal process, however, the developer put forward a daylight study in an effort to dispute concerns around the potential impact on 1 Bohemia Road.
The inspector found this evidence convincing, concluding that the proposals should be approved.
In their decision notice, the inspector said: “I conclude that although there would be a change in the outlook from the rear of 1 Bohemia, that outlook would not be so dominated by the proposed development as to cause a material loss of daylight or sunlight, or harm the view from the neighbouring property or its garden to the extent that it would be perceived as overbearing.
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Hide Ad“Consequently, the development would accord with … the Hastings Local Plan … which requires new development to avoid any adverse impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties.”
The inspector also dismissed officers’ concerns around the bin storage — saying it could be sufficiently screened from view — and residents’ concerns around highways pressures, as no objections had been raised by statutory bodies on this point.
For further information about the development see application reference HS/FA/18/01091 on the Hastings Borough Council website