On 23 March the planning committee of Hastings Borough Council considered two applications promoted by its own development teams. Both projects had already received permissions in principle – an estate of 140 ‘affordable’ homes to be built on the former playing fields at Harrow Lane; and a two-storey restaurant on the site of the former public toilets at Harold Place.

Ashdown ward councillor Mike Edwards described the Harrow Lane development to the committee as “the most contentious large-scale proposal in the borough”, spoke of “real anger” amongst local residents at the loss of the publicly-owned green space, and castigated the plan to build the homes with gas-fired heating and no solar panels. Cllr Sorrell Marlow-Eastwood complained that the detailed plans showed areas of individual outside space being offered to 27% of the homes were less than the minimum required under the council’s own planning guidance. “Why do we need to settle for second best for the people of Hastings?” she demanded. However, two Labour party councillors on the committee, chair Alan Roberts and Nigel Sinden, argued that ‘affordable’ homes were needed urgently and that there was no alternative. The committee divided on party lines and the plans were voted through.

In the same meeting the council’s internal plans for a restaurant in Harold Place received a barrage of criticism. Prior objections had centred on the lack of a serviceable lift to bring disabled customers to the upper storey. Conservative councillors Paul Foster and Matthew Beaver objected on general grounds of planning policy including equalities legislation; Labour member Cllr Heather Bishop also made forthright criticisms of the proposed internal lay-out, which she argued was inadequately designed and offered poor facilities to staff.  Cllrs Ali Roark and Ruby Cox both said they accepted the design and defended the intended leaseholders Loungers as appropriate operators, but when the committee came to vote they each abstained, leaving the application defeated 7-1; only Cllr Roberts voted in favour.


We hope you have enjoyed reading this article. The future of our volunteer led, non-profit publication would be far more secure with the aid of a small donation. You can also support local journalism by becoming a friend of HIP. It only takes a minute and we would be very grateful.

https://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/news.jpghttps://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/news.jpgHIPNewsOn 23 March the planning committee of Hastings Borough Council considered two applications promoted by its own development teams. Both projects had already received permissions in principle – an estate of 140 ‘affordable’ homes to be built on the former playing fields at Harrow Lane; and a two-storey restaurant...The Hastings & St Leonards non-profit community newspaper