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PLANS to replace a block of garages with four homes in Eastbourne are being recommended for approval, despite 93 objections.
Eastbourne Borough Council’s planning committee is due to consider the proposals for land behind West Cliff Mansion in St John’s Road on Tuesday, October 13.
The application, submitted by Derek Godfrey, seeks permission to demolish 11 garages behind the 10-storey apartment building and build four two-bedroom townhouses.
Planning officers have recommended approval, saying the scheme would provide additional homes on previously developed land in a sustainable urban location.
In a report to the committee, a council planning spokesman said: “The development has been carefully designed to respect local character, safeguard neighbouring amenity and avoid unacceptable highway impacts.”
However, the council has received 93 individual representations opposing the application.
Residents have raised concerns about privacy, potential overshadowing, the loss of garages and the development’s effect on the character of the area. Objections also highlight parking and other infrastructure pressures.
Some residents have raised concerns about property values and the loss of views, although officers say these are not material planning considerations.
The report acknowledges that the scheme would have some limited effects on neighbouring residents, but officers conclude these would not be significant enough to justify refusing permission.
Measures including screening would be secured through planning conditions to help address the development’s impact.
The council has previously rejected proposals to redevelop the site. Those plans, submitted by a different developer, sought permission for a five-storey apartment building.
Further details are available on Eastbourne Borough Council’s planning portal under application reference 250515.
