Health Centre design rejected

Councillors think the proposed building as it stands will be out of character in the town centre conservation area. There is also a disagreement with the developers General Practice Investments (GPI) as to how many, if any, of the proposed 30 flats should be affordable housing.

Chief planning officer Frank Rallings said GPI is willing to work with the council to find a suitable design solution but the affordable housing question remains a sticking point.

Councillors deferred granting planning permission while negotiations continue and plans are amended.

Rother says the building should contain 12 affordable flats because it exceeds the trigger level of 25 homes, but GPI disagrees.

They are also unimpressed with the design of the building, which they think would overpower surrounding properties and cast a shadow over the street scene.

Frank Rallings added: "We have been having difficulties with the design of the upper part of the building where the flats are proposed and we did not appear to be getting anywhere.

"English Heritage also has major concerns and they have had two meetings with the architects to try and find a solution which we and the people of Bexhill will be happy with.

"We take the view that is should also include affordable housing and we are having arguments over that issue at the moment.

Cllr Peter Fairhurst said: "I feel the design does not fit and it's not the right development for that site. If we grant permission as it stands it could be something we all regret for many years."

Cllr Wendy Miers added: "Fundamentally that design is wrong."