After submitting an application for 238 new homes on the former private Newlands School site, which had football pitches, tennis courts, cricket field and indoor swimming pool, there were large-scale objections from Sport England, Seaford Town Council and surrounding residents.
Approach
Jaynic Properties then submitted a revised application with 183 new homes, provided an additional proportion of green space with 55 per cent of the site remaining green, including doubling the football pitches and with an increase over the existing building area of only 20 per cent. The playing field would be open to the public whereas before it was only used by Newlands School. TFA were involved in the community consultation, where local residents highlighted that the proposal would address the need for more affordable housing in Seaford.
Results
Lewes District Council’s planning applications committee voted in favour. Sport England objected and sent a letter to the Secretary of State requesting a “call in.” Subsequently, TFA assisted Jaynic in representations to the Secretary of State, who later confirmed that there would be no “call in” and told the local authority to proceed with issuing permission.