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If you are looking for a good Christmas stocking filler, or perhaps a little treat for yourself, we have a limited number of signed copies of the very informative book, ‘The Crumbles Story’ by local author Ann Botha.

If you are interested in the history of the land on which the Sovereign Harbour Marina Village was built, this book is for you, and at just £7.99, it won’t break the bank. An added bonus is that Ann has generously donated 30% of the money raised to a charity of the SHRA’s choice.

To order a copy, send your cheque for £7.99, payable to SHRA, with your name and address to:

The Crumbles Story
SHRA
PO Box 124
Eastbourne
East Sussex BN24 9AW

We will deliver the book to your door.

Save the Eastbourne DGH

March and rally in support of the‘Save the DGH’ campaign

Free Winter Health Check for your car

Sterling Automotive Ltd., located in Hammonds Drive, close to Tesco, are offering harbour residents free winter health checks for their cars. They are also offering to replenish the antifreeze in your car’s cooling system for £24.99.

Sterling, who are MG/Rover specialists, also offer lubrication and full service packages for all makes of car at competitive prices, with a collect and return from the harbour, or 'while you wait' services.

To take advantage of this offer, or for more information, please call Sterling on 01323-438754.

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District Commander's Update

We continue to fight crime within the town and have this month launched Operation Flush within the town centre. Around 33% of all crime in Eastbourne occurs in and around the town centre. This is not a surprise as it has a high proportion of shops and is the centre of the night time economy. Having said that I aim to reduce crime in this area. A tactic of OP Flush is the deployment of officers on push bikes 24hrs a day to respond to calls and be a highly visible presence. They will work closely with the daywatch and nightwatch scheme and carry one of their radios at all times.
This has paid dividends already with the capture of a group of prolific shoplifters. The bikes have also enabled my officers to respond to calls quicker. Last week they attended the pier after a report of a person intending to jump from the end. Due to the fast response time of the officers on the bikes they were able to prevent the person jumping and get them the help they needed.

We had two burglars visit the town from a neighbouring area this month. They came during the night and burgled three properties whilst the owners slept in their beds upstairs. This is a highly unusual and despicable crime. Having committed the crimes they tried to leave the town with their ill-gotten gains but were arrested by two eagle eyed Roads Policing officers with all the property before the householders had even reported the burglaries. This sends out a strong message that Eastbourne is not the place to come and commit crime.

We continued our work targeting drug dealers in the town again this month. Working on information from the public we raided 7 addresses and recovered money and drugs from a number of these properties. Work will continue in the coming month with more addresses raided. If you are dealing in drugs then expect a visit from us.

Anyone with information is asked to call Police on 0845 6070999 or crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

At the end of November we will be launching Operation Synergy. This is a multi-agency week of action within the Devonshire area of the town. A large number of agencies are getting together to make the area a better place to live and work. This will supplement the work the Police are doing as part of OP Flush. I aim during that week to have a face the people session with senior members of a number of agencies (Police, Fire, Council CDRP etc) available in the town centre for the public to come and see and put any issues to them. Please check local press and radio for details and if you have any burning issues come and see us. I will be there and would love to meet as many people as I can.

The Police continue to bring more offenders to justice. In October we detected over 55% of crime in Eastbourne. I am immensely proud of my team for achieving that.

Working hard to keep you safe and secure in Eastbourne.
Dick Coates
District Commander

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1. APP/T1410/A/07/2054975 against the refusal of EB/2007/0197
2. APP/T1410/A/07/2054974 against the refusal of EB/2007/0393

1. The proposed development would constitute an overdevelopment of the site to the detriment of the general character of the area.
2. The proposed development would result in increased activity to the detriment of neighbouring residential amenity and adding to the demand for on-street car parking in the vicinity, contrary to Policies UHT1, HO20 and TR11 of the Eastbourne Borough Plan 2001 - 2011.

1. The proposed development is contrary to council policy.
2. Sovereign Harbour has been massively overdeveloped and the supply of two-bedroom apartments already greatly exceeds the demand. The proposed development would exacerbate the overdevelopment and add to the social problems it has caused.
3. The proposed development would be detrimental to the sustainability of the community in Sovereign Harbour
   You might also like to express the opinion that the residents of Eastbourne would be better represented if this appeal was decided at a hearing or enquiry rather than by written representation.

Sovereign Harbour Art Group at the Yacht Club

As mentioned in Waterlines, the first evening meeting of the Sovereign Harbour Art Group will be held in the Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club on Tuesday 6th November from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.

Click here for details of how to join the group, or for more information.

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Former Mayor presents cheque to RNLI at the Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club

At 7:30 this evening, a cheque for more than £32,000.00 was presented by Councillor Colin Belsey to the Eastbourne Branch of the RNLI. The cheque represents the money raised by Councillor Belsey during his year as Mayor of Eastbourne in 2006/2007.

In presenting the cheque to lifeboat Operations Manager, Paul Metcalfe, Councillor Belsey said, “I am delighted and amazed at the sum of money we managed to raise during the Mayoral Year. The input from the people of Eastbourne to the local Lifeboat seems to have touched so many. It goes to prove once again that we are a nation of givers at heart and the people of Eastbourne have proved that.”

This is the largest amount of money raised during a Mayoral Year by one Mayor. During the past year Councillor Belsey has attended many events, fetes and has also held a Charity Ball. His daughter, Anna, parachuted out of an aeroplane at 10,000 feet and held a Halloween party at one of Eastbourne’s nightclubs.

Paul Metcalfe, said, “We are very proud and pleased to have been chosen as the Mayor's Charity during his year in office. It has been an absolute pleasure to have supported the Mayor and Mayoress throughout the year in raising this very large sum of money. This donation is a tremendous boost to the funding in running an RNLI Lifeboat Service here in Eastbourne and the saving of life on the Sussex coast".

Visit the Eastbourne Lifeboat website

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Sussex police Press Release

Over the 12th and 13th October 2007, Roads Policing Unit Officers based at Polgate conducted an operation in the Langney Point and St Anthonys areas of Eastbourne as a result of local residents concerns regarding speeding and anti social driving behaviour particularly from young drivers in the 17-24 yr range.

Various tactics were used, involving both marked and unmarked police vehicles in order to enforce all aspects of road traffic legislation, target drink drivers and to influence driver behaviour.

As a result of the operation:
2 drivers were arrested for driving with excess alcohol
15 drivers were given warnings for anti social driving behaviour under the Police Reform Act. A second warning will result in their vehicles being seized.

3 vehicles seized due to driver behaviour or no insurance.
18 drivers either given fixed penalty notices or reported for excess speed.
1 male also arrested on suspicion of possession of a class A drug.

Sgt Dave Morgan from the Roads Policing Unit said 'This operation has clearly demonstrated that some young drivers are driving their vehicles in an anti social and dangerous manner and that other drivers are continuing to drink and drive.We will target these drivers and take robust action wherever possible to ensure the safety of other road users.

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Environment Agency Flood Awareness Roadshow

The Environment Agency's Flood Awareness team will be bringing their roadshow to Asda in the Crumbles Retail Park on Tuesday 16th October. The objective of the show is to make people aware of the flood risk in the area in which they live and to explain the measures that the EA has in place to protect the public should a flood occur.

Members of the team will be available to discuss your concerns from 9:30am until 7:00pm. This is a rare opportunity for you to hear it directly from the experts.

If you can't get to Asda on Tuesday, the EA team will also be in the Arndale Centre on Friday 19th October from 9:30am until 5:00pm.

Click here to download a poster in pdf format.

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Progress on Sovereign Harbour Medical Centre

Yesterday, SHRA committee members Jan and Ian Weeks were invited by Sovereign Ward's County Councillor, David Elkin, to join him in a meeting with Councillor John Barnes, Chairman of the East Sussex Downs and Weald Primary Care Trust. Also present at the meeting, which took place at the proposed site for the Sovereign Harbour Medical Centre in Harbour Quay, were Graham Credland, who is responsible for the provision of facilities for the PCT and Sovereign Ward campaigner Tracy Moles.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss progress in the provision of a much needed medical centre for the harbour. Councillor Barnes assured us that the Sovereign Harbour medical was the PCT's top priority, other than those medical centres that were currently planned or under construction and was hopeful that firm plans would be in place by the end of the year with a planning application probable very early in the new year.

David Elkin said, "it was a very worthwhile and constructive meeting, and we all now have a much better understanding of the procedures and responsibilities, and how the PCT is involved in the process. I am now very optimistic that the Sovereign Harbour medical centre will soon become more than just a concept."

It was confirmed that the area now occupied by the Carillion temporary offices is the preferred site for the project and that negotiations were in progress with Carillion for the purchase of the land. Considering that the land was said at the B&Q planning application to have 'negative value' we would presume that Carillion will donate it to the community. We can but hope.

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Beach Replenishment Work - update

Today will be the last day shingle will be transferred from Langney beach, round Sovereign Harbour and on to the North Beach in this particular operation. With normal autumnal weather beach is likely to have built up again on the harbour arm by Christmas, necessitating a further week’s work in December or January.

Dumptrucks will be delivered on Saturday to start recycling on Monday. They will do a small amount at Sovereign Harbour and ‘White Horses’ before moving to Beachlands, then Normans Bay East by the end of the week and Cooden about a week later.

As and when things change I will let you know or visit the Pevensey Coastal Defence website

Best wishes

Ian Thomas
Project Manager
Pevensey Coastal Defences Ltd
Environment Agency Depot
Coast Road
Pevensey Bay
BN24 6ND

e-mail Ian Thomas

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Acoustic music night at the Smugglers, Pevensey, 23rd. October

Following the hugely successful weekly open mic nights at the Smugglers, Pevensey, a few of the regular ‘quieter’ musicians are organising an acoustic music night. This will take place on the third or fourth Tuesday of each month. The inaugural night is Tuesday the 23rd. October and all are welcome. Admission is FREE and the evening will start at 8.00 and finish at 10.30.

The night will consist of a number of featured artists from the local area covering a wide range of music and suitable for all age groups. There will also be an open mic session, open to all.

Many of the regular musicians live in the Harbour and meet up at the Smugglers, the centre of local music.

If you have any queries please call Mike Bostock, a resident of North Harbour, tel: 01323 472604

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Jones Homes appeal against 'no more flats' planning decision

In August 1997, Sovereign Harbour Ltd was given outline planning consent for the residential development of the area now known as Sovereign Harbour North. The site was split up into a number of discrete development areas, which were then sold on to development companies.

One of the final areas for development, Site 'M', was sold to Jones Homes which, in March 2003 was given consent (EB/2002/0224) to build 26 three-storey town houses and 110 apartments, together with garages and ancillary works, on the site. Construction started in 2003 and is now close to completion.

In March 2007, Jones Homes submitted an application (EB/2007/0197) to vary the consent for 'Block G' on the development. The original consent for Block G allowed Jones to build six two-bedroom apartments on each of the first and second floors (twelve in total) and six duplex apartments on the third and fourth floors, making a total of eighteen dwellings.

The revised application sought permission to omit the six duplex apartments and build six two-bedroom apartments on each of the third and fourth floors of Block G, to form 24 flats in total; an additional six dwellings.

This application, which was recommended for acceptance by the council's officers, was opposed by members of the SHRA committee and our ward councillors. The Planning Committee agreed with the objections and refused the application. The decision notice stated that:

"The proposed additional flats would constitute an overdevelopment of the site to the detriment of the general character of the area, resulting in an increased activity to the detriment of neighbouring residential amenity and adding to the demand for on-street car parking in the vicinity, contrary to Policies UHT1, HO20 and TR11 of the Eastbourne Borough Plan 2001 - 2011."

In August 2007, Jones submitted a further application (EB/2007/0393) for this block. This revised application sought to omit four of the duplex apartments and create four two-bedroom flats on each of the third and fourth floors of Block G, to form twenty-two flats in total; an additional four dwellings.

Despite the Planning Committee's refusal of the previous amendment, the council's officers surprisingly recommended approval of the application, and members of the SHRA committee again opposed it. The committee members refused the application for exactly the same reasons as they rejected the previous application

The decision notice again stated that:

"The proposed additional flats would constitute an overdevelopment of the site to the detriment of the general character of the area, resulting in an increased activity to the detriment of neighbouring residential amenity and adding to the demand for on-street car parking in the vicinity, contrary to Policies UHT1, HO20 and TR11 of the Eastbourne Borough Plan 2001 - 2011."

It was hoped that Jones Homes would respect the wishes of harbour residents and the Borough Council and complete the development to the original consent. In September 2007, however, Jones Homes submitted appeals against both refusals:

In submitting the appeals, Jones Homes chose the 'written representation' option in an attempt to prevent a hearing at which residents could present their case in person to the Inspector. The SHRA has contacted the Planning Inspectorate and has been informed that "if there is sufficient demand from the public" the Inspector could decide on an informal hearing, or a formal enquiry. The SHRA is seeking the support of its members and other interested parties in making representations to the Planning Inspectorate in opposition to this appeal.

You may submit representations online at:

In the 'drop down' menus, select 'Interested Party' and 'General Representations'

In your representation, you should only give valid planning reasons for your objection. You might wish to reiterate the findings of the Planning Committee that:

Or add

Representations may also be submitted by post to:

The Planning Inspectorate
Temple Quay House
2 The Square
Temple Quay
Bristol BS1 6PN

Mark your letters for the attention of the Case Officer, Roger Tucker.

Be sure to quote the reference: APP/T1410/A/07/2054975.

Deadline for representations is 2nd November

Although the proposed increase in the number of dwellings is relatively small, granting this application could open the door to further residential development on the remaining harbour development sites.

At the meeting of Eastbourne Borough Council on 20th September 2006, the following motion was unanimously accepted by those members eligible to vote:

"Following the refusal of the recent applications for the remaining five development sites in Sovereign Harbour, this council recognises that the Humberts report has now been superseded. The Council therefore requests a high level meeting with the landowner, council members, planning officers, and representatives of local residents, to develop a strategy for the remaining development sites.
Such a strategy should acknowledge Sovereign Harbour Ltd's commercial demands, but shouldn't include further residential development. The strategy should address much needed community facilities, such as open space, play areas, a community centre, a medical centre, schools, facilities for the boating community and potential business opportunities, in keeping with the area, including a quality hotel.
The council recognises that the available land for development is limited and should be considered as a whole to effectively provide for a sustainable community."

Both Ian Lucas, the then leader of the council, and David Tutt, the current leader, have publicly stated that the acceptance of this motion made it council policy.

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Adoption of highways on Sovereign Harbour - October 2007

We have received the following information from our ward councillors, which shows the current state of play with the adoption of residential development.

Sovereign Harbour North

Country Homes -St Lawrence Way, St Lawrence Mews Sec38/126

Awaiting Section 38 Agreement. Work substantially complete for sometime. Contact has been made recently (08.08.07) with Country Homes to carry out essential street lighting works in order to progress the Section 38 Agreement.

Reduced maintenance period to apply once agreement in place. Adoption anticipated at early part of 2008.

Millwood Homes - Seattle Drive, Campbell Mews, Johnston Place, Wellington Quay. Auckland Quay (Areas Q, part, Z, part) Sec38/132

Section 38 Agreement in place. Part 1 and Part 2 Certificates of Completion have been issued and street lighting has been approved by E.S.C.C.

Maintenance certificate (part 2) issued 26.09.06.

Pre-Adoption site visit took place on 22.08.07 and once all remedials have been identified and repaired adoption can take place.

Persimmon Homes - Barrier Reef Way, Coral Reef Way, Brisbane Quay, Tasmania Way, Hobart Quay (Areas Y&Z) Sec38/125

Section 38 Agreement in place. Part 1 and 2 Certificates of Completion issued and street lighting has been approved by E.S.C.C.

Maintenance certificate (Part 2) issued August 2005.

Pre-Adoption schedule of remedial works has been prepared and agreed with the developer and once these have been carried out adoption can proceed.

George Wimpey - Pitcairn Avenue, Somoa Way, Solomons Close, (Area K) Sec38/124

Section 38 Agreement in place. Part 1 and 2 Certificates of Completion issued and street lighting has been approved by E.S.C.C. Maintenance certificate (Part 2) issued August 2002.

Pre-Adoption schedule of remedial works have been prepared and agreed with the developers contractor following a site meeting carried out on 10.08.07 and once these have been carried out adoption can proceed.

MacLean Homes - Vancouver Road, Anchorage Way (Area K) Sec38/127

Section 38 Agreement in place. Part 1 and 2 Certificates of Completion issued and street lighting has been approved by E.S.C.C. Maintenance certificate (Part 2) issued April 2005.

Pre- Adoption schedule of remedial works have been prepared and agreed with the developers contractor following a site meeting on 10.08.07 and once these have been carried out adoption can proceed.

W.H. Stratton - Admiralty Way, Chatham Green (Area L) Sec38/136

Section 38 Agreement in place. Part 1 and 2 Certificates of Completion issued and street lighting has been approved by E.S.C.C. Maintenance certificate (Part 2) issued June 2005.

Adoption anticipated late 2007 early 2008.

Jones Homes - Eugene Way-Road 1 Only (Area M) Sec38/153

Section 38 Agreement in place. Part 1 and Part 2 Certificates of Completion issued and street lighting has been approved by E.S.C.C.

Maintenance certificate (Part 2) issued July 2006.

Adoption anticipated late 2007 early 2008.

Whiteoak - Long Beach Mews, Long Beach Close (Area X) Sec38/128

Section 38 Agreement in place. Part 1 and Part 2 Certificates of Completion issued and street lighting has been approved by E.S.C.C.

Maintenance Certificate (Part 2) issued February 2007.

Reduced maintenance period to apply and a pre-adoption site meeting to take place in October 2007.

Once remedial work has been completed adoption can proceed.

Whiteoak - Golden Gate Way, Golden Gate Mews (Area W) Sec38/141

Section 38 Agreement in place. Part 1 and Part 2 Certificates of Completion issued and street lighting has been approved by E.S.C.C.

Maintenance Certificate (Part 2) issued February 2007.

Reduced maintenance period to apply and a pre-adoption site meeting to take place in October 2007.

Once remedial work has been completed adoption can proceed.

MacLean Homes - Caroline Way (Area N) Sec 38/134

Section 38 Agreement in place. Part 1 and Part 2 Certificates of Completion issued and street lighting has been approved by E.S.C.C.

Maintenance certificate (part 2) issued 07.08.07.

Reduced maintenance to apply and adoption to proceed early 2008.

Bellwinch Homes - Callao Quay (Area P) Sec38/143

Section 38 Agreement in place. Part 1 and Part 2 Certificates of Completion have been issued and street lighting has been approved by E.S.C.C. Maintenance certificate (Part 2) issued June 2004.

Pre-adoption site meeting took place on 20.08.07 and once remedial work has been completed adoption can proceed.

Barratt Homes - Phoenix Drive (Area U) Sec38/130

Section 38 Agreement in place. Part 1 Certificate of Completion has been issued.
Previously a David Wilson Homes site this has recently been taken over by Barratt Homes.

Contact has been made with the new developers on 21.08.07 to update them on the outstanding street lighting works and remedial work required by Barratt Homes in order for us to issue the maintenance certificate.

Once this outstanding work has been completed a reduced maintenance period can apply and adoption is anticipated early 2008.

Persimmon Homes - Macquarie Quay (Area Q) Sec38/155

Section 38 Agreement in place. Part 1 and Part 2 Certificates of Completion issued and street lighting has been approved by E.S.C.C.

Maintenance Certificate (Part 2) issued January 2007.

A pre-adoption site meeting to take place later this year and once remedials have been completed adoption can proceed.

Silver Homes - Inner Harbour Walkway Junction area (internal roads to remain private) (Area V) Sec38/129

Section 38 Agreement in place. Part 1 and Part 2 Certificates of Completion have been issued and street lighting has been approved by E.S.C.C. Maintenance certificate issued July 2006.

A pre-adoption site meeting took place on 24.08.07 and once remedials have been completed adoption can proceed.

Country Homes - Grosvenor Quay Inner Harbour Walkways (Area T) Sec38/144

Awaiting Section 38 Agreement.

Awaiting news from Developers regarding some street lighting issues which have to be resolved in order to progress section 38 Agreement.

Redrow Homes - Midway Quay (Area S) Sec38/133

No section 38 Agreement expected.

Pedestrian access to outer harbour promenade and inner harbour walkway secured by legal agreement.

Sovereign Harbour Ltd - (Pacific Drive) Sec38/117

Section 38 Agreement in place and Part 1Certificate of Completion issued on 23rd July 2004.
Part 2 issued on 02.03.07. (Commencement of maintenance period) street lighting remedial works completed.

Adoption to take place once construction traffic ceases and remedial works have been carried out.

Sovereign Harbour South

Westbury Homes - Martinique Way, St Kitts Drive, Grenada Close, Outer Harbour promenade (Area B) Roads F,G,H,J Phase 5 Sec38/146

Awaiting Section 38 Agreement.

Works are now substantially complete and will be pushing Persimmons to progress this agreement in order for us to issue its maintenance certificate.

Will look at reducing the one year maintenance period as Atlantic Drive is already adopted.

Westbury Homes - Santa Cruz Drive (southern section), Salvador Close (Area B) Phase 4 Sec38/106

Section 38 Agreement in place. Part 1 and Part 2 certificates of completion have been issued and street lighting has been approved by E.S.C.C.

Maintenance certificate (part 2) issued 10.08.07.

Reduced maintenance period to apply and a Pre-adoption site meeting to take place later this year. Once any remedial work has been completed adoption can proceed.

Westbury Homes - Santa Cruz Drive (northern section), Windward Quay, Leeward Quay, Key West, Key West Bridge (Area B) Phase 1 Sec38/107

Awaiting Section 38 Agreement. Works substantially complete.

Recent Meetings with Persimmons have resulted in them carry out some urgent remedial works on this development. Persimmons being pressured regarding Section 38 Agreement and other remedial works.

Recent site visit with ESCC structures group confirmed principal inspection acceptable subject to minor remedial works.

Westbury Homes - Barbuda Quay, (Area B) Roads A,B,C Phase 6 Sec 38/151

Awaiting Section 38 Agreement.

Some street lighting issues and remedial works to be addressed by Persimmons.

Will be pushing Persimmons to advance the agreement in order for us to issue the maintenance certificate and once this has been completed a reduced maintenance period can apply.

Westbury Homes - Bermuda Place Key West (part) Inner Harbour Walkway (Area B) Phase Sec38/121

Awaiting Section 38 Agreement.

Persimmons contractors have now completed the outstanding remedial works and will be pushing them to advance the section 38 Agreement in order for us to issue the maintenance certificate.

Once this has been completed a reduced maintenance period can apply.

Westbury Homes - Ocho Rios Mews (Area B) Sec38/148

Awaiting Easement Agreement over the parking bays to enable us to proceed with the section 38 Agreement.

Westbury Homes - St Lucia Walk, Antigua Close (Area B) Sec38/138

Section 38 Agreement in place.

Part 1 and Part 2 Certificates of Completion issued and street lighting has been approved by E.S.C.C.

Maintenance certificate (Part 2) issued May 2005.

Adoption took place on 08.08.07.

Sunley Homes - Madeira Way, Jamaica Way, Havana Court, Inner Harbour walkways (Area B Sec38/118

Section 38 Agreement in place. Part 1 and Part 2 Certificates of Completion have been issued and street lighting has been approved by E.S.C.C.

Maintenance certificate (Part 2) issued May 2005.

Adoption took place on 25.09.07.

Sunley Homes - Canary Quay, West Harbour Walkways, Kingston Quay (Area B) Phase Sec38/123

Section 38 Agreement in place. Part 1 and Part 2 Certificates of Completion have been issued and street lighting has been approved by E.S.C.C.

Maintenance certificate (Part 2) issued May 2005.

Adoption took place on 27.06.07.

Sunley Homes - Daytona Quay (Area B) Sec38/145

Section 38 Agreement in place.

Part 1 and Part 2 Certificates of Completion have been issued however some street lighting works have emerged since the Part 2 certificate was issued.

Adoption took place on 27.07.07.