At the recent meeting on Thursday 3rd August, Seaford Town Council’s Planning and Highways Committee dealt with responses to Lewes District Council on 12 local planning applications. Objections were raised on only one application; for the change of use of the Avondale Hotel (on Avondale Road) to an 18-unit House in Multiple Occupation.
A House in Multiple Occupation is usually a property that is converted in to either 3 or more bedsits or non-self contained accommodation i.e. tenants share kitchen, bathroom or toilet facilities.
There had been several letters received objecting to the change of use; one of the objectors addressed the Committee at the meeting.
The Committee’s objections were based on the lack of any evidence with the application to justify the change of use, the current under-provision of tourist accommodation in the town and the need to comply with local planning policies requiring the retention of existing accommodation.
Objections also addressed concerns over the numbers of residential units in the development which could accommodate up to 31 residents. The Committee considered this could cause undue noise and disturbance to other residents in the area.
The Town Council’s objections have been sent to Lewes District Council, the local Planning Authority, which will be making the decision on the planning application. The closing date for comments to the District Council from consultees and members of the public on this application is Thursday 17th August.
The Committee also considered a report on proposed major development at Newhaven Harbour. The Brett Group had recently held a public exhibition in Newhaven of its plans to create a new extended wharf on the East Quay of the harbour to handle the importation of sand and gravel to process into building materials. The scheme would also include the development of a plant to manufacture concrete blocks.
The development would be readily visible from Tidemills and Seaford seafront and would have a significant impact on views across the bay.
The formal planning application was being prepared for submission to East Sussex County Council. The Committee were extremely concerned about the scheme and have submitted a request to the County Council to be a formal consultee on the application.
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