Bid To Create 12-Room HMO In Former Care Home Turned Down

Plans to turn a former Pevensey Bay care home into shared housing have been rejected.

Wealden District Council has refused an application to convert the former Charwood Rest Home in Eastbourne Road into a 12-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation.

Developers Bella Vista Homes had previously gained permission to create seven flats, but later altered the internal layout, saying there was higher demand for affordable shared accommodation.

After a visit from planning enforcement officers, they submitted new proposals for 12 en-suite rooms with kitchenettes and shared kitchen/diner areas.

However, planning officers ruled the layout would effectively create 12 self-contained flats — not an HMO — and said the units would be too small and “cramped”, falling below national space standards.

The council’s housing team also raised concerns and recommended removing the kitchenettes.

Neighbours and Pevensey Parish Council had also objected.

More details can be found under application WD/2025/2140/F on the Wealden District Council planning portal.