Seven self-contained flats at 24a Victoria Road, Eastbourne

What was proposed

The application sought seven self-contained flats from a former residential institution, with an extension, heat pumps, parking, storage and landscaping.

“Report to: Planning Applications Committee Date: March 2026 Application No: 260046 Location: 24a Victoria Road, Eastbourne, BN20 8NP. Proposal: Change of use from residential institution (use class C2) to 7no. self-contained flats (use class C3), to include installation of air source heat pumps, car parking, cycle storage and bin storage, erection of a two-storey rear extension, changes to existing fenestration, external alterations, and soft landscaping.”

“Executive Summary 1.1 This application is seeking full planning permission for the change of use of the building from a residential institution (Use Class C2) to 7 flats (Use Class C3 - Dwellinghouses) together with a two storey extension and other external alterations, landscaping and parking provision.”

Officer report

The site and building

The vacant two-storey building sits in a residential area within the built-up boundary, near shops, services and public transport.

“The site lies within the defined built up area boundary and the designated Primary Residential Area, within walking distance of local shops, services and public transport.”

“The site comprises a two‑storey L‑shaped building, currently vacant, last used as a Class C2 residential institution providing supported accommodation. The building comprises at least nine bedrooms arranged over two floors, with shared facilities including communal kitchen, dining and living rooms. Internal facilities fall below modern standards and the building is in a generally tired condition, though structurally sound and capable of refurbishment.”

Officer report

Planning history

The site had no relevant planning history, and the building was last used as supported accommodation.

“Relevant Planning History: No relevant planning history for the site.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers considered the housing, design, amenity, transport, environmental and sustainability benefits outweighed the proposal’s limited negative impacts.

“The design, transport, access, amenity, arboricultural and drainage impacts of the development are acceptable and the development is considered to provide a good quality of proposed accommodation for future occupants.”

“This would carry significant positive weight in the planning balance. Transport The proposal would promote sustainable transport means of transport including cycling and EV charging points and would prevent significant impacts upon the transport network.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways raised no objection subject to conditions, while arboriculture, waste, environmental health and water consultees raised no objection or comment.

“Specialist Advisor (Arboriculture): No objection received.”

“East Sussex Highways: No objection, subject to the imposition of conditions.”

Officer report

What residents said

Residents objected that the scheme would harm local character and cause noise, parking, traffic, privacy, tree, access and storage problems.

“Other Representations: Notification: Notification of this application has been undertaken in the form of:”

“Not in keeping with the character of the area • Noise and disturbance – from both use and air-source heat pumps • Parking stress • Overdevelopment of the site • Traffic and highway concerns • Loss of privacy • Loss of trees • Access arrangements • Refuse and cycle storage is insufficient.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A residents’ spokesperson spoke against the application, the agent spoke in support, and the ward councillor spoke against it.

Committee debate and vote

Members proposed approval in line with the officer recommendation, including amended management-plan wording and additional conditions, and the proposal was carried.

“Councillor Sayers-Cooper put forward a proposal in line with the officer’s recommendation; the additional conditions set out in the Addendum, together with revisions to the condition wording at paragraph 10.3 (Management Plan) and an additional condition seeking a Construction Environmental Management Plan. This was seconded by Councillor Parker and was put to a vote and carried.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee delegated completion of consultation and granted planning permission subject to the report’s conditions, amended wording and additional conditions.

“RESOLVED: by (3 votes to 3 against and on the Chair’s casting vote) to delegate the Head of Development Management to conclude the consultation with the ESCC (Ecology and Landscape) and make any necessary revisions, attach conditions or seek planning obligations resulting from the above consultations; and then to grant planning permission subject to conditions listed in the report; the amended wording to paragraph 10.3 Management Plan; and the additional recommended…”

Minutes