New Hollington business centre approved

At a virtual meeting on Wednesday (June 3), planners approved proposals from Hasting Borough Council to build a two-storey office building at the Churchfields Industrial Estate, together with a new access on Sidney Little Road.

Planners heard how the building would be used as a business incubation complex, meaning it would have facilities to support the growth of new business ventures from start-up to maturity.

Before making its decision, the committee heard words of support from Hollington ward councillor Paul Barnett (Lab). He said: “There is a real need for additional industrial units of this kind across Hastings, with most of the current units being occupied. 

“Hollington is well provided for with both large scale and small scale units but these are all well-used and there is minimal provision at the moment for business start-up units that provide any additional support for new entrepreneurs. 

“Given the high levels of deprivation locally, including high child poverty and increasing adult mortality, it is hoped these start-up units will encourage local employment. 

“Men aged over 45 in Hollington are dying earlier each year [and] making it easier to start a business may improve the community’s mental health, which leads to this shocking outcome.” 

Cllr Barnett also praised the green credentials of the plans, which includes space for roof-mounted solar panels. He said he hoped the council could build on this by supporting green energy start-ups and improving transport to the site. 

He also called on the committee to ensure its conditions allowed the building to be accessed outside of traditional office working hours. It was confirmed the building would have 24 hour access.

These views were shared by the committee, which unanimously approved the scheme.

Putting forward a motion to approve the scheme, Matthew Beaver (Con, West St Leonards) said: “I think this is a very good application. It provides employment – as Cllr Barnett said – in an area of deprivation. 

“It will allow other people from around the town as well to access these buildings and use them accordingly, as and when they need to do so.

“It is environmentally friendly, it protects the green spaces around it [and] enhances it in some areas. Therefore I am very happy to recommend it [for approval].”

The finished building will provide 29 business units, together with training space, shared services and amenities, including in-house management.

For further details see application reference HS/FA/19/00803 on the Hastings Borough Council planning website.

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