Former St Leonards Academy, Darwell Close, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, TN38 9JP

Site Description

The site being a former school academy is irregular in shape, extends to approx. 9.55 H/A (23.88 acres) andhaving all school buildings demolished. The land is relatively self contained within its own environment having a significant level of mature trees around the perimeter. The site slopes from north to south with the highest area being in the north and central areas and somewhat lower to south and west.

Location

The site is situated in a pleasant and sought-after residential area on the St. Leonards side of Hastings. It is approached via Harley Shute Road with relatively large detached houses which leads into Darwell Close comprising a good mix of residential housing. To the north west of the proposed development is a local wildlife site which also contains an area of woodland. St. Leonards sea front is just a few minutes car drive, with various boutique shops and Sainsburys, Asda, Tesco stores close by.

West St. Leonards Primary School is within walking distance with St Leonards senior academy school approx. 1 mile.

The main line station at St. Leonards West with fast train services to Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and on to London Charing Cross is approx. 1.5 miles whist the A21 providing road access going north is approx. 3 miles.

Hastings centre with its good shopping facilities, various schools for all ages and many attractions provided by this popular seaside town is some 2.5 miles distant.

Planning

Outline planning consent was granted by Hastings Borough Council under ref nos. HS/OA/15/00168 dated 21^st June 2018 for the erection of some 210 dwellings with associated open space, play areas, landscaping, and access.

The indicative layout slows a relatively low density being approx. 22 d p h and will ensure retention of woodland to the south west of the site. The scheme shows a mixture of dwellings from a three-storey flatted scheme, 2-bedroom terraced houses, 3-bedroom terraced/semi-detached houses and 3/4/5-bedroom detached houses.

The consent is subject to a section 106 agreement. It has provision for 25% affordable housing, County Council contributions to libraries, Rights of Way Transport, Highway Improvements, Travel Plan and various Education contributions.

The owners will be seeking an overage payment, to be agreed, in the event of an increased density.

Contact : Peter Randall