Churchill Retirement Living criticised for advertising homes in Seaford that are yet to have planning permission

Homes in Sutton Road, Seaford, are being advertised for sale by Churchill Retirement Living, despite having no planning permission which has been met with outrage from East Sussex County councillors.

The company said wherever the site is mentioned in their advertising literature, or on their website, it is clearly labelled as ‘awaiting planning permission’. Which it says has generated around 100 enquiries to date from customers wanting to receive updates as plans progress.

‘Dismay’ at proposal for 36 new retirement apartments in SeafordCllr Carolyn Lambert said: “I am shocked that Churchill are apparently assuming that planning permission will go through and are advertising homes that haven’t even been built yet.

"This proposed site requires the demolition of four substantial detached family homes. It was not put forward as a development site in Lewes District Council’s recent call for sites nor is it in the Neighbourhood Plan as a development site.

"Other similar developments in the town remain unsold so there is an over-provision of this type of accommodation which will only put added pressure on our GP services.”

Cllr Christine Brett added: “Churchill’s advertisement of these homes which are still going through the planning process appears to be a cynical attempt to put pressure on Lewes District Council’s Planning Committee in the face of local opposition.

"They have not answered any of the local concerns raised and are clearly simply trying to steamroller this application through. In addition, they are advertising free parking which will only add to congestion on this very busy and dangerous road.

"Cllr Lambert and I are urging residents to oppose this opportunistic and unwanted development which will mean the loss of family homes and huge environmental damage.”

At statement from Churchill Living said: “Churchill Retirement Living has been progressing plans for its site on Sutton Road in Seaford. We are hoping to deliver a new development of apartments specifically designed for over 60s who want to carry on living independently as they get older but with the safety, support and social life that comes with living in a retirement living community.

"There is a compelling overall housing need in Seaford and the surrounding area, especially for older people. The number of over 65s in the local authority area will increase 24% between now and 2030 (26,700 to 33,000). By 2032 over 32% of the local population will be aged over 65.

"The development we are proposing should help to generate over £170,000 of health and social care savings each year and would release around 70 larger, second-hand properties back onto the market, many of which will be suitable for growing families in the area.

"The development would be set amongst high quality landscaping with a range of communal facilities including an Owners’ Lounge, Guest Suite, On-Site Manager and 24 hour on-call assistance.

"The initial planning application we submitted last year was not determined by the Local Planning Authority. We have therefore submitted a second application and we are looking to engage positively with the Council and the LPA to gain support for this, in order to avoid the need for a time consuming and costly planning appeal.”

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