Agenda item

Specialist Advisor (Conservation) to report on applications.

Chris Connelley, Specialist Advisor, Conservation, presented his report regarding two sites, and the Group considered each in turn.

240275 / 240276 (PP and LBC)Eastbourne Railway Station, Terminus Road, Eastbourne BN21 3QJ

Proposal: Refurbishment of the former booking hall into a café and bar.    

CAG Comment : The Group applauded the application, which allowed for the rehabilitation of an empty area of the railway station, and commended the applicant on the quality and detail of the submission and for the sensitive and sophisticated design. The Group raised minor concerns regarding external illumination and requested that planners take necessary action to regulate this.

Overall, though, the Group felt that the application maintained the significance of the listed building whilst enhancing the character and appearance of the conservation area.

240324 (PP) Osborne Hotel, 31-41 Carlisle Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4JS

Proposal: Erection of a first- floor side extension to create seating area and associated alterations        

CAG Comment: The group felt this was a disappointing and poorly detailed application, and that the proposal was inappropriate for its conservation area setting. The Group recommended that the applicant rethinks the approach taken to generate a new design with a form and bulk that was more sensitive to its location.

As presently submitted, the Group were unanimous that the proposal did not preserve, let alone enhance, the character and appearance of the conservation area.