Leisure centre renovations at Bexhill Leisure Centre, Bexhill

Summary of planning committee decision

Decided by Rother Planning Committee on 16 Apr 2026.

RR/2026/0206/FULLApproved

What is proposed

The works include a new roof, solar panels, replacement entrance glazing and doors, three windows, and a roof-access ladder.

“The proposed works include the following: a. Replacement of the existing roof covering including fascia, soffits, gutters and downpipes. b. Install solar panels on the east and west elevation of the building. c. Replacement of the existing entrance doors and the adjoining glazed panels in the entrance lobby. d. Installation of three windows on the east elevation. e. Installation of a cat ladder on the west elevation to provide roof access. f.”

Officer report

The site

Bexhill Leisure Centre is at the intersection of the A259, London Road and Combe Valley Way, within Bexhill’s development boundary.

“Bexhill Leisure Centre is located at the main intersection of the A259, London Road and Combe Valley Way. It is also located in Bexhill's development boundary.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier applications included an approved mixed-use scheme with a leisure centre and up to 52 dwellings, and deemed approval for a leisure centre.

“RR/2019/430/P Bexhill Leisure Centre Down Road, Bexhill-on-sea, East Sussex, TN39 4HS – Location Outline: Mixed use development comprising a leisure centre (Sui Generis Use), ancillary car parking and up to 52 dwellings (C3 Use) including matters of access with all other matters reserved. APPROVED CONDITIONAL”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the works would improve energy efficiency, maintain the building, enhance its appearance and support the leisure centre’s viability.

“Bexhill Leisure Centre requires significant renovation works, including the replacement of the existing roof with a higher-performing insulated system which would incorporate solar panels, thus improving the building’s overall energy efficiency. The replacement of the glazed entrance façade would also provide improved energy performance. In addition, the proposals include general repairs, repainting and cleaning across the buildings tired and ageing façade.”

“The proposed works would represent sustainable development in compliance with the Development Plan and the aims of the National Planning Policy Framework. The public benefits arising from the improved energy efficiency and modernisation would ensure the continued viability of Bexhill Leisure Centre for the benefit of the community.”

Officer report

Committee discussion

Members agreed the works would significantly improve energy efficiency but raised concern about the building’s condition and requested regular maintenance and advice to relevant officers.

“The Planning Committee agreed the works would significantly improve energy efficiency, but expressed concern about the building’s poor condition, despite it being approximately 30 years old, and requested that regular maintenance be carried out and relevant officers advised.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Councillor Gray moved approval, Councillor Chowdhury seconded it, and the motion carried unanimously with nine votes in favour.

“Councillor Gray moved the motion to GRANT (Full Planning Permission) subject to planning conditions and this was seconded by Councillor Chowdhury. The motion was declared CARRIED (9 for / unanimous).”

Minutes

Final decision

The committee granted full planning permission subject to conditions covering the start date, approved plans and external materials.

“DECISION: GRANT (FULL PLANNING PERMISSION)”

“The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission. Reason: In accordance with section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended by section 51 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004).”

Minutes

Sources

  • Rother Planning Committee minutes, 16 April 2026
  • Agenda and papers (council website)

Source: Plota analysis of Rother's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.

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At the meeting

Council
Rother
Date
Thursday 16 April 2026
Recommendation
Officers recommended approval
Committee decided
Approved
Vote
Unanimous
Minutes
The council's minutes
Meeting
Agenda and papers (council website)

This committee's year

30 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting, 4 against officer advice.

Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.

Every decision by this council's committees →