Planning application for the Observer Building

A planning application for the Observer Building involving additional storeys being added is currently on Hastings Borough Council's Planning website, open for public comments until this Friday, 26th Feb 2016. Direct link: http://publicaccess.hastings.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=_HSTBC_DCAPR_103246 At the Annual Council Meeting on the 4th June 2014, just weeks before the Observer Building was put up for auction, the council adopted their programme for the year which included the following statement: "Commit to finding a use for the largest derelict eyesore in the town the old Observer building – by working with the local community and partner organisations in the town and tapping into external funds". If the developers' planning application is rejected and they cannot come up with an appropriate alternative, then the council will be willing to get more actively involved. This was also highlighted at the meeting I had with the council. On the 7th August 2014, I met with two members of the council, Simon Hubbard, Director of Regeneration and Planning, and Jeremy Birch, Leader of the Council. They stressed that the compulsory purchase order that we sought would be very difficult to obtain, as the developers had not been given ample opportunity to do something with their acquisition. Yours sincerely, Laura Gales