Visitor centre redevelopment at West Hill Cafe, Hastings

What was proposed

The application proposed replacing the café and toilets with a visitor centre, alongside access, lighting, energy, signage and landscaping works.

“HS/LB/26/00127 Demolition of the existing café and toilets and redevelopment to form a single storey visitor centre with café, restaurant and bar, takeaway, gallery/interpretation zones, retail and re-provision of toilets on the site of the existing West Hill Café. Creation of a new pathway/boardwalk and installation of external lighting on pathways, wayfinding and signage. Installation of air source heat pumps and solar panels and associated landscaping improvements.”

“Proposal: Demolition of the existing café and toilets and redevelopment to form a single storey visitor centre with café, restaurant and bar, takeaway, gallery/interpretation zones, retail and re-provision of toilets on the site of the existing West Hill Café. Creation of a new pathway/boardwalk and installation of external lighting on pathways, wayfinding and signage. Installation of air source heat pumps and solar panels and associated landscaping improvements.”

Officer report

The site and heritage

The site lies in the Old Town conservation area, beside the Grade II listed West Hill Lift and near other designated heritage assets.

“Site and surrounding area The West Hill Café, which is within the Old Town conservation area, is located on top of the West Hill, north-west of the historic Old Town, adjacent to the Grade II listed West Hill Lift, and immediately north-east of the Grade I listed Hastings Castle.”

“All listed buildings in George Street form a group. Constraints - Scheduled Monument – Hastings Castle, the Collegiate Church of St. Mary and the Ladies’ Parlour - Conservation Area 01 – Old Town - SSSI Impact Risk Zone - Historic Parks and Gardens (Non-Registered) – West Hill - Archaeological Notification Area – Hastings Historic Core…”

Officer report

Officer advice

Officers recommended listed building consent, focusing on whether the works would preserve the listed lift’s architectural and historic interest, setting and special features.

“A new lift would be constructed from the arrival platform at the upper terminus to allow less able-bodied persons to more easily access the café without having to use the stairs. This would intersect with the proposed building at ground level. The installation of the lift will require a localised opening through an existing wall into the new lift shaft.”

“The present application for listed building consent is required because the existing West Hill Cafe is physically connected with the Grade II listed West Hill Lift, including the upper station/terminus structure, and the proposals involve works which would affect listed fabric and the setting and significance of the listed building.”

Officer report

Public responses

The consultation received three objections, one expression of support and two neutral comments.

“Public Consultation Site notice: Yes Press advertisement: Yes - Affects a Listed Building Neighbour Letters: No People objecting: Petitions of objection received: People in support: Petitions of support received: Neutral comments received: Application status: Not delegated - Council application on Council owned land.”

Officer report

Presentation and questions

The Principal Planning Officer presented the application and explained the proposed accessible lift and its connection to the new building.

Committee discussion

There was no debate before approval was proposed and seconded.

“There being no debate, approval of the application in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation was proposed by Councillor Simnett and duly seconded by Councillor Rumfitt. The Chair called upon the Committee to vote and it was…”

Minutes

The vote

The committee voted unanimously to grant listed building consent.

“RESOLVED (unanimously): To GRANT Listed Building Consent subject to the conditions set out in the Officer’s report.”

Minutes