Approval for hundreds of homes on former St Leonards school site?

Hastings Borough Council officers recommended outline approval for the proposal on The St Leonards Academy’s ex-Darwell Campus grounds, formerly The Grove School.

A petition and 20 letters were received in opposition to East Sussex County Council’s plans, as well as Sport England due to the loss of a playing field.

Officers believe the site is needed for houses and the ‘well-designed’ development would benefit the locality’s character.

“The development would also not impact upon the existing residents to a significantly detrimental manner, with the ability to develop the site and to provide appropriate separation between the existing and proposed dwellings, which would ensure no significant overshadowing or a sense of enclosure,” the report says.

The application includes associated open space and roads, and a quarter of the homes on the site on Darwell Close, off Harley Shute Road, would be affordable.

Councillors will discuss the proposal at the planning committee meeting at Aquila House at 6pm.

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