Rooftop Apartment Approved by Eastbourne Despite Flood Zone 3
Planning permission from Eastbourne Borough Council for a new rooftop two-bedroom apartment above an existing building within an industrial estate designation in Eastbourne, overcoming flood zone, employment designation and noise constraints through targeted technical evidence.
PLANNING APPROVALSEASTBOURNEEAST SUSSEX
Andrew Ransome
7/5/20262 min read
In 2020, I secured planning permission from Eastbourne Borough Council for a second-floor rooftop extension to an existing building to create a new two-bedroom dwelling, despite the site lying within both an industrial estate designation and Flood Zone 3.
The case was resolved by demonstrating that recent prior approval office-to-residential changes had already shifted the area's character, that the Council could not demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, and that all technical constraints — noise and flood risk — could be satisfactorily mitigated.
Penthouse Apartment in Eastbourne Granted Planning Permission
I secured planning permission from Eastbourne Borough Council for a penthouse second-floor extension to an existing building to create a new two-bedroom dwelling.
The site was located within the Eastbourne settlement boundary but also within an area designated as an industrial estate — a location where the Council would normally resist residential development.
On initial review, the combination of the industrial designation, Flood Zone 3 status, and potential noise issues from the surrounding commercial area presented a formidable set of objections.
The planning case was built on three complementary arguments.
First, it was demonstrated that recent prior approval office-to-residential change of use applications in the immediate area had already materially changed the character of this part of the industrial estate — establishing residential use as part of the area's existing character and undermining the argument that further residential development would be harmful or out of character.
Second, Eastbourne Borough Council was shown to be unable to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, meaning the NPPF's presumption in favour of sustainable development applied and the weight of the industrial designation was reduced.
Third, the site was on previously developed land in a highly accessible location.
The technical constraints were addressed through specialist reports.
Eastbourne Borough Council approved the application.
Planning Application Advice
If your site has multiple technical or policy constraints, a well-structured planning case that addresses each one systematically can demonstrate that all are capable of resolution. Contact me to discuss your project.
Andrew Ransome MRTPI - Email: andrew@andrewransome.co.uk
About me
Andrew Ransome is a Planning Director and a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), with more than two decades of experience in town planning.
He specialises in delivering strategic planning solutions for complex developments across both rural and urban environments, helping clients navigate planning challenges and unlock development opportunities. Connect with Andrew on Linkedin.
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Get in touch for planning advice: Email: andrew@andrewransome.co.uk
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