Wetherspoon's given Bexhill go-ahead

Councillors unanimously gave delegated approval to grant planning permission for the wine, ale and food bar.

The issue has produced a huge response among Observer readers.

Local residents and town centre landlords are generally against the scheme.

The go-ahead decision is subject to the company's plans for Hastings Glass site, in Wickham Avenue, meeting finer details set down by officers, regarding areas such as the environment and public health.

There was a small adjournment in the Town Hall meeting, as councillors considered 21 extra pages of information that had been delivered to them only that morning.

But after a brief period of debate it was decided to give the plans the provisional go-ahead.

Cllr Ronald Dyason, supported the idea on the condition the pub meets the officers' conditions and the safety of residents is considered.

He said: "If we always say no it will be to the detriment of the town.

"I'm as anxious as anyone else to make sure the residents are well looked after and I can understand with something like this people will worry.

"If the police act as we want them to act, to stop graffiti and vandals we can regenerate the town."

Cllr George Hearn, added: "The advantage of going in there (Wetherspoon's), is that meals are reasonable value. There is a complete age range of young and old in there. If the conditions are right I see no reason why we shouldn't have one."

Cllr Joanne Gadd, said she supported the scheme, but raised worries over the availability of parking spaces.

"The only thing that does concern me is the parking, but then we have got a parking problem in Bexhill anyway. I'm a little concerned that when people get home in the evening they can find somewhere to park."

Although not sitting on the planning committee, Cllr Deirdre Williams, shared her views on the proposals by Wetherspoon's.

She said: "I am heartened by what I hear. In the summer when visitors are here they like to have a choice.

"With a Wetherspoon's they know what they are going to get and it doesn't mean they won't use the other pubs."