Agenda item

Specialist Advisor (Conservation) to report on applications.

Chris Connelley, Specialist Advisor, Conservation, presented his report and the Group considered each of the two applications in turn. During discussion of the first application, the Chair asked Ian Perrell, scheme architect observing the meeting, to clarify a point of fact regarding the design.

1) 210904 (PP) 177-187 Terminus Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 3NX

Cons Area: Town Centre and Seafront

Proposal: Demolition of the existing building and redevelopment of the site for a mixed-use development comprising 700 sqm (GIA) of commercial space (Class E) on the ground floor with 48 residential units (Class C3) on up to five upper floors with associated communal amenity space, cycle and car parking, refuse, recycling and servicing facilities    

CAAG comments: The Group (with one abstention*) was pleased to welcome the modified design for this application and felt that the proposal enhanced the character and appearance of the conservation area. The retention of the historic façade addressed concerns and protected the most interesting and significant element of the existing building. The new additions complemented the retained fabric and provided interest in their own right. Overall, the scheme contributes valuable new housing and new life at an iconic town central site.

2) 220280 (PP) 81 Carlisle Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN20 7EN

Cons Area: Meads

Proposal: Single storey rear extension and 1st floor extension over existng garage       

CAAG comments: The Group (with one abstention*) agreed that the proposal did not preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area. While the design at the back raised no issues, the Group was concerned that the design of the new front extension was overbearing and detracted from the visual unity of the terrace of houses it forms part of.

(*Councillor Smart abstained on both applications as he had joined the meeting by phone and was unable to view the images from the presentation.)