Plans to convert former Eastbourne bank into 15 flats

Proposals to convert a vacant former bank into apartments are set to go before Eastbourne planners next week. 

On Tuesday (August 25), Eastbourne Borough Council’s planning committee is set to consider an application to convert the former branch of RBS in Gildredge Road into 15 self-contained apartments. 

Planners will also consider a second application to convert the loft of the building into two further flats.

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While larger application is recommended for approval, the loft conversion is not, as the apartments would not meet the council’s standards.

In a report to be considered by the committee, an Eastbourne planning officer said: “The proposed conversion is considered to be acceptable in that it provides a suitable use for a vacant building that would support the viability and vitality of the town centre and would contribute towards housing supply.

“There is an identified need for the type of small residential units that would be provided, particularly in locations such as the access site which are highly sustainable with good links to public transport, shops and services. 

“Although the proposed loft conversion would offer a further two residential units, the living conditions provided would not be acceptable on account of the low ceiling height and lack of windows that would offer any realistic form of outlook.”

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The apartments would be a mix of 12 one-bedroom and three two-bedroom flats, each with their own open-plan kitchen and lounge area.  The two additional flats would each be one-bedroom flats.

The building would only have four parking spaces (as well as a cycle storage area) well-below the normal guidelines. However, planning officers say an objection on these grounds are unlikely to be sustainable as there are still permit parking places available nearby.  

Due to the scale of the proposals, developers would normally be required to provide some affordable housing as part of the development. However, developers say this would not be possible without damaging the viability of the proposals. An independent financial assessment is currently underway, planning documents say.

For further information on the proposals see applications 200322 and 200332 on the Eastbourne Borough Council website.

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