Once again East Saltdean residents are up in arms about a proposed planning application.

An application has been submitted to tear down a two-storey 1930s house and create two modern three-storey properties on the plot.

This is the second time this proposal has been submitted.

Last time it was turned down on the grounds that the two new buildings would be four storeys high, tower above their neighbours and be out of keeping.

The council received 34 letters of opposition, not just from neighbours but from all over Saltdean.

People fear that allowing this would set a precedent and properties would be bought up by speculators without any feeling for the area.

This time, similar plans have been submitted with the buildings sunk into the ground to create two three-storey buildings with a fourth floor as a basement.

Side and rear neighbours now face having a 29ft wall at the bottom of their gardens. They would also be overlooked.

Saltdean is an area comprised of almost exclusively 1930s family bungalows and two-storey period buildings.

When developed in the 1930s, plots of land were divided up in such a way that they were staggered up the hillsides in order to offer views and light to all residences. Plots were sold off individually and this has created Saltdean's charming and eclectic style. The proposed buildings would be totally out of character.

  • Carli Stein, Brambletyne Avenue, Brighton