Question mark over affordable homes at site of the former Grand Hotel

A BID to extend consent for residential development on the site of Bexhill's former Grand Hotel has been approved at Rother District Council's recent planning meeting - but with a question mark over affordable housing in the development, writes Lynda Turner.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Dec 2010, 16:00 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 21:15 BST

The site, at the junction of Sea Road and Jameson Road, is within the town conservation area and is now a vacant lot following demolition of fire-damaged buildings.

The applicants, Kempton Carr Croft, propose to build 24 apartments with private gym and underground parking.

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However, despite granting the extension, a number of councillors expressed concern over the design of the building and the lack of affordable housing.

Cllr Martyn Forster said the design of the building is “very bland” adding: “I don’t see how this building can contribute to the town.”

Cllr Deirdre Williams said she is not happy with the proposals at all. “I feel very strongly about this and I am very worried that it is in a conservation area. I cannot see the need for yet more flats.

“There are two blocks of flats on the seafront that they are struggling to sell, why do we need yet another one? I feel very depressed about it and I am unhappy about the lack of affordable housing.”

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Chairman Cllr Brian Kentfield said the design was accepted at the original planning approval and that English Heritage has been involved in the scheme.

Since granting the original planning application in 2005, Rother District Council has introduced an affordable housing policy. The policy states: “On housing developments of 15 or more dwellings, within the development boundaries of Bexhill 40 per cent of the total number of dwellings to be provided shall be affordable housing for local people. Affordable housing provision below 40 per cent of the total number of dwellings will only be accepted where the applicant fully and financially demonstrates that 40 per cent provision will make the development of the whole site uneconomic based on the current housing market and the costs of the development.”

The Grand Hotel site was purchased prior to the economic downturn and has since decreased in value from £1.75 million to the most recent unconditional offer of £350,000.

Cllr Kentfield recommended further assessment on figures and further individual advice be obtained.

Related topics:BIDBexhill