Ravenside expansion appeal shock

The unexpected decision by a planning inspector which allows Ravenside's owners to expand into Brett Drive has been met with anger and disbelief.

Opponents believe it is another nail in the coffin of town centre trade.

The critical ruling paves the way for one of the town's biggest employers to relocate to St Leonards and creates a dangerous planning precedent as the proposals breach the local development plan.

The move was refused by Rother District councillors almost a year ago and an appeal held over four days in February, when hundreds of residents, mainly from the adjacent Penland Wood, turned up to voice their fears for increased traffic through the estate and added congestion along De La Warr Road.

The result of the appeal hearing has been criticised by the town's Chamber of Commerce president.

Malcolm Mitcheson said: "Anything that erodes the town centre is bad news. We're committed to re-kindling the town centre and anything that takes trade away from it does not help."

He added: "I'm surprised at the decision but the inspector did place heavy restrictions on it.

"The details will have to be approved before they can move in. We just hope it is contained at that level and no further development is planned."

Last Friday's announcement safeguards up to 80 highly-skilled jobs at Drallim after bosses warned the appeal they could be forced to re-locate to South Wales as the Bexhill site was no longer suitable.

The move had hinged on retail park owners Land Securities getting permission to expand onto the Brett Drive site occupied by Drallim.

In return they paid an undisclosed amount to Drallim to cover the cost of relocating to the Ponswood industrial estate. "It's great news for the company and the employees. It protects jobs in the local area even though we're moving to Ponswood," said finance director John Staplehurst.

Land Securities director Ken Venables described the decision as a 'victory for pragmatism'.

He added: "The inspector accepted our view that the new retail extension will not harm Bexhill and Hastings town centres and will improve access and traffic circulation, as well as transportation facilities. The site appearance will also be enhanced by new landscaping."

He added work on site will only begin at Ravenside once Drallim has relocated.