A neglected seafront road will be transformed into community gardens. 

The proposal to rejuvenate the unmade road at Cliff Gardens, Seaford, has been approved by council planners, and more information has been revealed about how it will be turned into coastal gardens. 

Complete with new raised beds, different habitats and plants, seating and three coastal sculptures and education boards to show the impacts of climate change.

Lewes District Council’s planning committee unanimously voted to approve the plan following support from the community.

The Argus:

The project, developed by Seaford Community Partnership (SCP), is being part-funded and supported by Ouse Valley Climate Action (OVCA), an exciting National Lottery backed scheme. 

Funding is also being provided by the central government from the UK shared prosperity fund following a successful bid by SCP.

The project also includes plans to improve the biodiversity of the adjacent Pump Field, eventually providing a wildlife-rich meadow where local schoolchildren can observe and identify plant and animal species.

The work at Cliff Close will also repair the cycle path, using funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy.

Hilary Miflin, from SCP, said: “’After over three years of planning, research and discussion, our diverse team in SCP are delighted with the very positive outcome from the Lewes District Council planning meeting.

"We can now go forward applying for the road closure and organising the purchase of materials and their eventual use. We can also start the propagation of over 90 different species of native plants which we have sourced for next year’s plantings.

“We’re very grateful for the interest and support we have received from schools, environmentalists, Seaford residents and of course our funding agencies. Already volunteers are coming forward offering their services in this exciting next phase of the project.”

Steph Mills, project manager for OVCA, said: “This is an exciting project developed by the community, for the community, and will really enhance this seafront location.

“This is all about people in the community coming together to tackle the climate emergency in a really positive, proactive way.”

OVCA is supporting a large range of community-led initiatives, including youth citizen science, cycling skills for young people, community orchards, river monitoring, local tree planting, and installation of boxes to help protect swifts.