Planning News
Douglas Clowes, Architect retired, Chairman – Planning sub-committee

I take this opportunity to introduce myself as the Society’s new planning advisor and Chairman of the newly reformed Planning sub-committee.

I previously served in the old planning committee alongside Mavis Clack and Peter Beake and, following Peter’s departure from the Society during October last year, I was asked to take over his role representing the Society in Eastbourne Council’s Conservation Area Advising Group (CAAG). This consists of 5 councillors, 2 or 3 council officers, Richard Crook (our Architectural Advisor) and myself. We meet at 6pm in the Town Hall approximately 10 times a year and advise on planning applications concerning Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and Areas of High townscape value. The advice and recommendations given are the passed to the EBC Planning Committee who have the final say to the outcome of any planning applications.

It is not surprising, due to the current financial situation, that during the 5 meetings of the CAAG I have attended since last October where I have been present there have been no new Planning Applications for major or contentious development in the area covered by the CAAG. For your information Eastbourne College’s Music Centre had long passed that stage.

Finally I would like to say that, although I have written about the Society’s role on the CAAG, my Committee will be interesting itself on all aspects concerning the built environment of Eastbourne, past, present and future. One matter particularly comes to mind namely the Development of the Wish Tower restaurant area which we will watching like a hawk.