Decision Delayed On 250-Home Eastbourne Development Amid Flooding Concerns

Plans for a major housing development in Eastbourne have been put on hold after councillors raised serious concerns about flooding.

On Tuesday (September 16), Eastbourne Borough Council’s planning committee considered an application from Catesby Strategic Land Ltd to build up to 250 homes on land north of Pevensey Bay Road.

Planning officers had recommended approval, but the scheme faced significant local opposition over pressure on infrastructure and flood risk.

Conservative councillor Ksharma Shore, whose Sovereign Harbour ward borders the site, told the meeting:

“By your own admission this area is susceptible to flooding.

"Common sense dictates that this development will impact on flood risk, especially surface water flood risk.

"This in turn will surely increase the risk in the residential areas around the site.”

County councillor David Tutt (Lib Dem) backed these concerns, recalling incidents where residents of the nearby Poets Estate had raw sewage come up through their sinks and bathrooms during floods.

He said:

“Flooding concerns go back generations, this was always low-lying farmland. Every estate that has been built has added to the impact.”

Several committee members agreed they lacked enough detail about how the development would be made flood-resilient and whether neighbouring homes would be adequately protected.

Planning officers insisted conditions could be attached to address flood risks and drainage, but councillors opted to defer the decision, asking for further information before any vote is taken.

The application will return to the committee at a future meeting.