Ken Parke was pleased to be involved from the outset of this scheme which finally resulted in planning permission being granted for the demolition of the derelict Cliff End Hotel building which has blighted the townscape within the East Cliff Conservation area for many years.
Ken advised on strategy, design, technical matters, dealing with the planning process, negotiation with the council and liaising with the public.
The site was very challenging due to its prominent location, shape, size and a number of restrictive policies along with a site-specific council document setting out guidelines of how the site should be developed. The scheme, designed by London based Matt Architecture, was promoted on the basis that it represented the only viable design solution to resolve the future of the site and represented a high-quality design that was appropriate as a gateway into the conservation area.
The applicants engaged with the public and the council throughout the process. The public were very supportive, but officers were not. Despite a recommendation for refusal, the planning committee voted to approve the scheme.
