Proposals for a new apartment building in Hastings have been given the greenlight by Hastings planners.
On Tuesday (December 12), Hastings Borough Council’s planning committee approved an application seeking permission to create a seven-unit apartment building by extending and converting a three-bedroom house at 25 Eversley Road.
While the proposals, from developer EJN Enterprises, had proven unpopular with neighbours, committee members felt the scheme was acceptable.
Proposing approval, Cllr John Cannan (Lab) said: “I think it is unfortunate we lose a bit of green space, because we are eating up some of the garden.
“But in creating five flats it is much-needed accommodation in Hastings and I think the application speaks for itself.”
The council had received 20 letters of objection about the proposals, raising concerns about a variety of issues, including overdevelopment, the loss of green space and loss of privacy.
Objectors had also raised concerns about parking, arguing the proposals would put increased pressure on the area.
These concerns were not shared by council planning officers, who had recommended the scheme be approved.
In a report to the committee, a council planning spokesman said: “The development proposal is considered to be acceptable from a design, neighbouring amenity, a highways and ecological perspective, subject to conditions, and it will provide a sufficiently high standard of amenity for future occupants.
“Whilst the parking provision within the site is below minimum standards, the survey provided by the applicant suggests that the proposed development is unlikely to result in an unacceptable level of parking stress.
“On this basis, the proposal is considered to be in accordance with the Development Plan.”
The proposals will see an existing semi-detached building split into two apartments, while an extension containing five more units would be built to its side.
The existing building sits on a corner plot at the junction of Eversley Road and Eversley Crescent and is bordered by a large amount of garden land. A portion of this garden land is expected to be retained, with the rest to be taken up by the extension and a new off-road car park.
The carpark would have room for seven vehicles as well as secure bicycle storage.
