Appeal against unpopular Bexhill flats plan refusal

An application to demolish The Lodge on Collington Rise was thrown out by the council but the developer is appealing

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A developer is appealing the decision to refuse a plan to demolish a 90-year-old cottage and build a block of flats in Bexhill.

Rother District Council (RDC) turned down Mr M Hickman’s proposal to build six flats and parking on The Lodge, a thatched cottage on Collington Rise in January, with 105 objectors.

But the developer is turning to the planning inspectorate to try to get the planning committee’s decision overruled.

The committee said the proposal would be ‘cramped’ and an ‘over-development’ of the site but Mr Hickman suggests a number of ways this can be mitigated.

The appeal statement says: “The appellant considers that the proposal will make an effective use of land within the built up confines of Bexhill and provide six new flats.

“It complies with policies that require an effective use of land.

“It will not have a harmful effect on the character of the area. It is a proposal that had the support of officers prior to the committee decision.”

David Robertson lives in Pinewoods Court behind the site and was delighted when RDC rejected the proposal.

But he fears the planning inspectorate may not fully understand the residents’ concerns and urged people to resend their objections to the council.

“It’s going to stand out like a sore thumb,” he said.

“I’m worried the inspector could be someone who does not know the area and will sign of the development.

“There are people in their 90s living around here and this is the last thing they need in their lives – you can imagine the chaos it would cause.”

Council throws out Collington flats plan