Ore housing turned down at appeal by planning inspector

In a decision notice published on Friday (May 19), a planning inspector has refused proposals to build a pair of semi-detached houses on land to the south of Victoria Avenue.

The appeal had been lodged as Hastings Borough Council did not issue a decision on the proposals within the statutory timeframe.

Despite this, the council confirmed it likely would have refused planning permission had a decision been made. Officers said it would have been refused on four grounds: its potential ecological impact; the loss of green space; a lack of sufficient off-street parking; and its impact on the character and appearance of the area.

The planning inspector shared all but one of these concerns, noting that the impact on varied design of nearby buildings meant the impact on character and appearance would be limited.

However, they ultimately felt the other concerns were strong enough to refuse planning permission.