The Cabinet Member for Housing at Eastbourne Borough Council has appealed to the government to rethink the ‘crazy housing numbers that have been forced on Eastbourne.’
The council is preparing a new local plan and as part of that process is required to consult with residents on any areas of the town that could potentially provide new development, particularly housing. The government believes 738 new homes should be built in Eastbourne every year.
Councillor Alan Shuttleworth, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “The crazy housing numbers that have been forced on Eastbourne by the government must be reconsidered and changed to reflect the barriers to development in our town, most notably the English Channel, the South Downs National Park and the Pevensey Levels.
“We will continue to tell the government that our town simply can’t accommodate 738 new homes every year.”
Local Plans provide a clear strategy for future growth, guiding decisions on the locations, amount and type of development that is needed, such as new homes, health and education provision, transport links and sites that will create employment opportunities.
Councillor Shuttleworth said: “We are required by government to consult on these sites, regardless of their sensitivities.
“Residents should be in no doubt that we are determined to protect our local green spaces and challenge any development in areas that are vulnerable to flooding.”
If approved by Cabinet next week (November 2) the consultation will take place between November 11, 2022 and January 20, 2023.
Councillor Shuttleworth added: “Councils across the UK are saying similar things and while I recognise the need for more affordable homes, it is my unshakeable belief that local people must be allowed to make the decisions on areas to build, not bureaucrats in Whitehall.”
