Agenda item

Erection of five beach huts on the eastern seafront promenade – DEVONSHIRE.

At their meeting on 24 May 2016 the Conservation Area Advisory Group welcomed the principle of contemporary design within the conservation area. The group expressed concerns about the longevity of the structures to be created and their potential to act as a focus for anti-social behaviour.

Additional comments from residents were reported as follows:

160542 (Site 1 - Re-bourne)

One further objection had been received on the grounds that the proposed building did not respect its historic setting and the Town Centre and Seafront Conservation Area, and detracted from the pre- eminence of the pier within this part of the seafront.

160544 (Site 2 - The Spyglass)

One further objection had been received expressing concerns that the proposal would add to clutter on the seafront and failed to respect the setting and character of the conservation area.  There was a concern that the costs involved would not enable a successful building to be delivered on the site to enable the realisation of the architectural concept behind the proposal.

160534 (Site 3 - What unearthed?)

One further letter of support had been received citing the benefits of additional facilities on the eastern part of the seafront.  The applicant had now submitted detailed plans showing the maximum height of the building at 2.8 metres, the plans were also available on the Council’s website.

160566 (Site 4 - Community beach hut)

One further letter of support had been received stating that the proposal was simple and authentic.

160563 (Site 5 - Stargazers cabin)

One further objection had been received stating that the cabin would harm the setting of the recently constructed beach huts on this part of the promenade creating further clutter. Concerns was also expressed stating that the design concept relied on pedestrian footfall after dark which was not apparent at present, and also that the proposal would result in additional competition for existing businesses on this part of the seafront.

Councillor Bannister, Ward Councillor, addressed the committee stating that as part of the Driving Devonshire Forward project a consultation exercise had taken place, the results of which indicated the desire for some additional ‘beach huts’ in various locations east of the pier.  A number of designs had been received and the proposals before the committee were chosen from the short list.  This was a community project that would be of great benefit to tourists and the residents of Eastbourne.

Members discussed the application and whilst there was support for the scheme, some concern was raised with regard to two of the locations proposed.

RESOLVED (160542, 160534): (By 6 votes to 1)That permission be granted subject to the following conditions: 1) Development within three years 2) Development in accordance with approved plans 3) Drainage & Utility connections shall be operational prior to the first beneficial occupation of the beach huts.

RESOLVED (160544, 160566, 160563): (Unanimous) That permission be granted subject to the following conditions: 1) Development within three years 2) Development in accordance with approved plans 3) Drainage & Utility connections shall be operational prior to the first beneficial occupation of the beach huts.