Restaurant plan for former heritage centre approved

Rebecca Maer, Eastbourne Reporter

Huw Oxburgh, BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporter

Plans to expand and convert the former Eastbourne Heritage Centre building into a restaurant have been approved. 

Eastbourne Borough Council’s planning committee last night approved proposals to convert the Tower House, the Grade II-listed former Heritage Centre in Carlisle Road, into a bar and restaurant. 

The proposals, submitted by Phil Cameron of Headland Venues Ltd, include the construction of “a part single-storey, part three-storey extension” at the rear of the building. 

This would be clad in dark red zinc at upper levels to provide kitchen space for the restaurant. 

The officers’ report said it provided “a subtle and complementary relationship with the existing red brickwork of the host building. The use of zinc also reflects a material that is well-suited to the coastal environment and is present within the wider context, thereby reinforcing local distinctiveness while maintaining a clear visual distinction between historic and modern elements.” 

Speaking on behalf of the applicant during the meeting, planning agent Stephen Birrell told committee members the proposals would “secure the future of Tower House”. 

Mr Birrell said: “Since its closure as the Eastbourne Heritage Centre in 2025, this building has stood vacant. As we know the most effective way to preserve a heritage asset is to ensure it remains in active, viable use. 

“The proposed change of use to a restaurant lounge bar is perfectly aligned with the character of the Devonshire Quarter, as a town centre use within the town centre. 

He added: “Furthermore it will strengthen Eastbourne’s evening economy and enhance a tourism offer by rehabilitating a much-loved building in a high footfall cultural area.” 

Mr Birrell also said the development would be expected to provide 15 full-time equivalent jobs. 

While recommended for approval, the scheme was by some local residents and traders, with around 40 objections received.

During the meeting, the committee heard from Mark Sayer of Favoloso restaurant and ice cream parlour on the opposite corner to the Tower House. 

He told councillors: “While residents support bringing this vacant asset back into use, the scale and nature of the current proposals present unacceptable planning impacts. 

“My first core concern is the physical damage to a highly-prized Grade II-listed building. The proposal includes a massive part single-storey and three-storey extension on to the rear of this 1880 Victorian asset. 

“This aggressive addition dominates and smothers the original architecture integrity of Tower House.” 

He also raised concerns around the scheme’s potential impact on highways safety and the “oversaturation” of restaurants in the area.

Similar concerns were raised by other objectors. These included concerns linked to the potential harm to the appearance of the listed building and the character of the wider area. 

However, planning councillors welcomed the opportunity to repurpose the building which will also be made accessible with a lift to the upper ground floor.  

Committee chair Cllr Hugh Parker said: “I have no issue with the design of the extension because it is designed to be as unnoticeable as possible. 

“I like the idea it doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is.” 

The council’s conservation officer was supportive of the scheme. Heritage organisation The Eastbourne Society also supported the plans. 

The six councillors on the committee – four Lib Dem and two Conservative – agreed with officer recommendations to approve change of use to a restaurant with conditions relating to noise and curfews, and to approve listed building consent. 

After the meeting, Mr Sayer told the Eastbourne Reporter: "What can I say? I don't know what to make of it – I just need to digest the whole thing."

We have approached Phil Cameron for a comment on the decision. 

:: For further information, see applications 260233 (Full Planning Permission) and 260253 (Listed Building Consent) on the Eastbourne Borough Council website.