A PROPERTY developer has been described as trying to “steamroller” an application through by advertising its properties before planning permission has been granted.
Councillors in Seaford have opposed the move, saying it is a “cynical attempt” to put pressure on Lewes District Council’s planning committee.
Churchill Retirement Living is planning to build 37 one and two bedroom properties in Sutton Road, Seaford, but has come under fire for advertising before it has planning permission.
The developer countered these claims saying that it has clearly labelled the advertised apartments as “awaiting planning permission” and that the web page just allows people to register their interest and receive updates.
However, Carolyn Lambert, Liberal Democrat councillor for Seaford South, said: “I am shocked that Churchill are apparently assuming 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.”
A spokesman for Churchill said the organisation has already received over 100 enquiries and the development would “release around 70 larger, second-hand properties back onto the market” which would be suitable for families in the area.
Some people fear the new development will add congestion to the busy A259 which runs through Seaford and are upset that four family homes will have to be demolished where the site will go.
Lewes District Council confirmed the site was not on the Seaford neighbourhood plan, a form of urban planning which directs where development goes. The council said the plan does acknowledge the benefits of supporting brownfield development. One of the four houses which will be knocked down is abandoned.
Christine Brett, Liberal Democrat councillor for Seaford South, added: “They are advertising free parking which will only add to congestion on this very busy and dangerous road.
“Cllr Lambert and I continue to urge residents to oppose this opportunistic and unwanted development which will mean the loss of family homes and huge environmental damage.”
A spokesman for Churchill said there is a “compelling overall housing need” in Seaford, with 6,300 more people in the local authority area who will be over 65 years old by 2030.
The spokesman said: “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 local planning authority to gain support for this, in order to avoid the need for a time consuming and costly planning appeal.”
A spokesman for Lewes District Council said: “The application will be reported to planning committee in the coming months.
“The site is not in the Seaford Neighbourhood Plan, but the plan does acknowledge the benefits of supporting brownfield development.
“If the application is supported at planning committee, it will add to the range of housing options in the town.”
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