Plans to convert historic towers into holiday lets

An East Sussex council is due to consider plans which would see two historic military towers turned into holiday lets.

The plans, submitted to Eastbourne Borough Council's (EBC) planning committee, would see internal and external conversions to Martello Towers 66 and 64 near Sovereign Harbour and the Crumbles respectively.

The proposals have the support of Historic England and local heritage group The Eastbourne Society.

However, critics have raised concerns about noise, parking, wildlife impact and light pollution.

Martello Towers were originally built to serve as military defences during the Napoleonic era.

Specific works on the Grade II listed structures include roof extensions, solar panel installations and the construction of new access staircases to turn them into short-term holiday lets.

In a statement reproduced within a report to the planning committee, a spokesman for Historic England said the heritage and public benefits "outweigh the harm", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

It said the works would "likely remove the assets from the Heritage At Risk register".

The applications, submitted by Robert Adams, have been recommended for approval with the committee report noting the applicant had worked "closely with Historic England over the last few years" on proposed designs.

Both applications received 54 objection letters each, citing concerns over privacy for local residents and sea flooding works conducted by the Environment Agency (EA).

The EA had initially raised concerns about the proposals but has since withdrawn its objections subject to conditions.

EBC's planning committee is due to consider the applications on 3 June.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.