192 MMC houses on flood zone

Land at the rear of Bexhill Road in Bulverhythe is the proposed site.

A spokesman said: “The scheme will provide a range of much needed quality housing including a significant number of affordable homes for local families.”

Cllr Andy Batsford, lead councillor for housing and homelessness, said: “We are thrilled to have submitted this exciting planning application to build 192 much needed new homes for the town.

“It’s our intention that as many homes as possible will be built using modern methods of construction so as to help minimise the scheme’s carbon footprint and to get homes built quickly.

“We believe that this development will help demonstrate how high quality and energy efficient housing can be provided for local families whilst minimising any impact on climate change. The application submitted follows extensive consultation with local residents and wider stakeholders which started over 12 months ago.

“We have been awarded up to £6.9m in government funding to remove the barriers to developing the site, which is a huge benefit to the town. Although the site is currently classified as Flood Zone 3b, we have undertaken extensive flood modelling which we believe demonstrates that the site is suitable for housing development. The flood defences that we will employ will not only protect the new homes but will also protect the existing houses and businesses on Bexhill Road and beyond that might otherwise flood.”

He added: “We intend this to be a high-quality development which will provide much needed new homes to help meet our housing crisis. We hope to create a sustainable community where families want to live and which makes a positive contribution to the local area.

“We are looking at how to encourage sustainable transport solutions on the site, including electric vehicle charging points and car clubs. We aim to ensure the development will be pedestrian and cycle friendly.

“There will also be wider benefits, including the replacement of redundant sports pitches to Sport England standards, ecological enhancements and much needed training and employment opportunities while the houses are being built.”

Source: Hastings Observer