Developers behind Bexhill hotel plans have appeal dismissed
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Last November, Rother District Council refused planning permission for the 74-bedroom hotel to be built in Egerton Road.
The authority’s planning committee decided the proposed five-storey building would be an over-development which would have aggravated parking problems.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMore than 100 residents and business owners objected to the proposal ahead of Rother’s decision to refuse planning permission.
But in May it was announced developers would appeal.
However the Planning Inspectorate last week dismissed the appeal, saying the proposed hotel building would be a ‘harmfully obtrusive and uncharacteristic element’ in the conservation area.
A report from the inspectorate said: “The existing dwellings on the appeal site make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the conservation area, and their replacement with the proposed development would not make a positive contribution to that character and appearance. No parking spaces have been provided in the proposed development.
“Notwithstanding rail links to the town, it is likely a significant number of guests would arrive by car, giving rise to significant additional traffic movements and parking demand, above those generated by staff. Some harm in terms of parking and traffic congestion and a concomitant increased risk to pedestrian safety are likely to occur.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdSara Stokes, from Egerton Road Hotel Action Group, said: “The dismissal of the appeal was welcome news to those affected. We’re very pleased common sense has prevailed over proposals that were unsuitable for the location.”
The developers’ plans were backed by Bexhill Chamber of Commerce, 1066 Country Marketing and the De La Warr Pavilion.
Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.
Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad1) Make our website your homepage at www.bexhillobserver.net/
2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bexhillobserver
3) Follow us on Twitter @BexhillObs
4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.
And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!
The Bexhill Observer - always the first with your local news.
Be part of it.