Eastbourne town centre offices to be converted into flats

Eastbourne Borough Council has granted permission for Greencoat House, at 32 St Leonards Road in Eastbourne, to be converted into 16 flats.

The four-storey building, constructed in 1970 and just a five-minute walk from Eastbourne railway station, will become a residential block, without any external alterations required.

The current 13 parking spaces will not be increased as part of the conversion.

East Sussex Highways commented on the development, stating: "The site is very well placed in terms of sustainable transport and is within walking distance to the bus stops, the train station and local provisions.

"The addition of parking at this location is a bonus, as it is unlike many proposals in the area."

Greencoat House was built in 1970 (Image: Google) The council's planning officers also supported the decision, explaining: "The application site is in an area predominantly residential use - the change of use of the building will not be out of character for the area."

They further noted that the building will be surrounded by residential properties.

The conversion was approved under Class MA permitted development, a regulation introduced in August 2021.

This policy allows certain commercial, business, and service premises to change into residential use without needing full planning permission.

It applies to various types of buildings, including shops, offices, restaurants, cafes, light industrial spaces, gyms, and health centres.

The aim of Class MA permitted development is to simplify the process of converting unused commercial buildings into residential accommodation.