Restaurant and lounge bar at The Tower House, 2 Carlisle Road, Eastbourne

What was proposed

The application proposed converting the former museum into a restaurant and lounge bar, with an extension, alterations, landscaping and plant.

“The application seeks full planning permission and listed building consent for the change of use of the existing building from a museum (Use Class F1) to a restaurant and lounge bar (sui generis), together with extensions, external alterations and landscaping works.”

“To support the proposed use, a part single-storey, part three-storey extension is proposed to the rear of the building, located within the existing courtyard area. The extension is designed to provide essential back-of- house accommodation including kitchen facilities, WCs, storage, plant areas and servicing space, allowing the principal spaces within the host building to remain largely open and focused on customer use.”

Officer report

The site and building

The site is a prominent corner building, constructed around 1880, which is Grade II listed and within the Town Centre and Seafront Conservation Area.

“The application site hosts a three storey building sited on a prominent triangular corner plot in the Devonshire Park area of Eastbourne. The site is at the intersection between Carlisle Road and Compton Street. The building has a three storey tower with an octagonal form and a lower two storey and basement building. The site sits beneath the ground level of the street and has courtyard areas to the rear and sides.”

“The building is Grade II Listed and located within the Town Centre and Seafront Conservation Area. The site lies within Flood Zone 1 (low risk of fluvial flooding), but is identified as being at risk of surface water flooding and within a Critical Drainage Area.”

Officer report

Earlier use and application

The Heritage Centre closed in 2025, and an earlier 1982 change of use to a heritage and cultural centre was approved unconditionally.

“The building was previously in use as the Eastbourne Heritage Centre, which closed in 2025. The use class is F1(c) Learning and non-residential institutions - Museums.”

“Change of use from dwelling to heritage and cultural centre, and erection of staircase extension to rear. Approved unconditionally - 23/03/1982.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the proposal acceptable because it would provide employment, support town-centre vitality, preserve the listed building and avoid unacceptable impacts.

“The proposal would deliver employment generation (equivalent of 14.9 full time equivalent posts) and contribute positively to the local economy, supporting the vitality of the Devonshire Quarter and wider town centre.”

“The proposal would preserve the significance of the Grade II listed building and enhance the Conservation Area, securing its viable long-term use.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Conservation Officer and Eastbourne Society supported the scheme, while Historic England made no comment and Highways raised no objection.

“I would like to note the most welcome improved access, which opens areas of the building to groups currently unable to easily enter and use it. As ever, some points of detail niggle and I am supportive of the constructive suggestions made by the Eastbourne Society, the building’s former custodians, on retaining the existing gate, adapting the railing tops to the fleur- de-lys design and making minor changes to the pier tops.”

“This landmark Listed flag tower was saved from demolition by our Society in 1978 who converted it to a Heritage Centre. We thoroughly support the current proposals which will give the building an exciting new use. This is reflected in the contemporary new rear extension. We would also have supported an extension which matched the original building.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Representations raised concerns about the area’s character, heritage, parking, refuse, noise, odour, light, museum loss and restaurant concentration.

“Impact upon the character of the area; • Impact upon the character and significance of the Listed Building; • Parking stress; • Adequacy of refuse arrangements; • Noise and disturbance (in relation to use and plant); • Impact of odour; • Impact of light; • Loss of the Heritage Centre (Museum); • Concentration of restaurant uses within area; • Sustainable adaptive re-use; • Vitality and increased footfall.”

“Objections have been received regarding the loss of the former Heritage Centre and the perceived over-concentration of restaurant uses within the area. The previous use has already ceased and, in the absence of any relevant policy protection or evidence demonstrating continued viability, the planning system cannot require its retention. This matter is therefore afforded limited weight.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Planning Officer presented the report, and the committee received advice about three additional recommended conditions.

The committee vote

Councillor Nevill proposed approval in line with the officer recommendation and additional conditions; Councillor Ansell seconded, and the vote was unanimous.

“Councillor Nevill put forward a proposal in line with the officer’s recommendation, and the additional conditions set out in the Addendum. This was seconded by Councillor Ansell and was put to a vote and carried. RESOLVED: (unanimously) that the application for Listed Building Consent be granted subject to the conditions in the Officer’s report and the additional recommended conditions outlined the Addendum.”

Minutes

The decision

Listed Building Consent was granted subject to the report’s conditions and the three additional recommended conditions in the Addendum.

“The Committee was advised by way of an Addendum of three additional…”

Minutes