Talland Parade scaffolding in Seaford under strict rules

The scaffolding at the site of Talland Parade in Saxon Lane, Seaford has seen little visible progress since it was erected in 2016, which has frustrated people living in the town.

Neil Smith, 58, who lives in Seaford, described it as a “blot” on the landscape and said it’s “bad for the town all over” and businesses in Broad Street.

Lewes District Council said in the past that “all efforts” were being made to rid of the scaffolding.

The scaffolding from High Street in Seaford

The structure saw "some movement" after Storm Eunice in February, with the scaffolding sitting about six inches further out from the wall than before the storm.

Since then, East Sussex County Council (ESCC), which is in charge of renewing the licence of the scaffolding, said the licence will now be reviewed every six months with certain requirements so the building work starts.

ESCC added that it has met the owners of Talland Parade, and were “given assurances” that building work will start shortly.

Maria Caulfield MP and Sam Adeniji, Conservative councillor for Seaford South

A spokeswoman for ESCC said: “We have met with the owners of Talland Parade and their project manager to look at the need for the scaffolding and plans for the building, and were given assurances that the building work is on track to start shortly.

“In the meantime, they have agreed to fund some improvements to the footway in Saxon Lane and advertising hoardings for those businesses affected by the partial road and footpath closure.

“However, before we renew the licence for the scaffolding, which will be reviewed on a rolling six-month basis, they must provide a schedule of the work and put a communications plan in place to ensure Seaford Town Council is regularly updated on the progress of the project.

Saxon Lane was cordoned off after Storm Eunice due to the scaffolding seeing "some movement"

“We will continue to work with the owners of Talland Parade to ensure the scaffolding does not remain in place any longer than it needs to.”

Maria Caulfield, Conservative MP for Lewes, said: "I am so pleased that after campaigning for so long on this issue that Cllr Sam Adeniji and I have been able to get some results and we are closer than ever to resolving the issue with the county council now taking firm action and ensuring that the continuation of a scaffold licence will only come with improvements for the Talland Parade businesses, a schedule of works and clear communication.

“This is a big step in the right direction for Seaford."