Planning Lawyer in Eastbourne | Expert Planning Barrister for Appeals & Enforcement
Planning law advice serving Eastbourne, Hailsham, Polegate & East Sussex
Has your planning permission been refused by Eastbourne Borough Council? Facing a planning enforcement notice? Need expert help with a planning appeal, HMO application, or change of use?
PDG Planning provides specialist legal advice and representation for homeowners, businesses, and landowners across Eastbourne and East Sussex. As an experienced planning barrister, I help clients navigate planning law and achieve successful outcomes.
Philip Goddard, Planning Law Barrister
07796 643 854
Planning Permission Refused?
When Eastbourne Borough Council refuses your planning application, you need to act quickly. Whether it’s a house extension, HMO conversion, change of use, or new development, I can advise on:
- Whether a planning appeal is viable
- Resubmitting a stronger revised application
- The reasons for refusal and how to address them
- Negotiating with planning officers
Common reasons for refusal in Eastbourne include:
- Overdevelopment or impact on neighbouring amenity
- Design not in keeping with the character of the area or conservation areas
- Parking and highway safety concerns
- Over-concentration of HMOs in controlled wards
- Impact on the town’s 24 designated conservation areas
Planning Services in Eastbourne
If your application has been refused, you have the right to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. Time limits are strict:
- 6 months for most planning applications
- 12 weeks for householder applications
- 28 days for enforcement notice appeals
Missing these deadlines means losing your right to appeal. Get expert advice early to maximise your chances of success at hearing or inquiry.
Received an enforcement notice from Eastbourne Borough Council? This requires urgent attention. I can help with:
- Unauthorised extensions or building work
- Breach of planning conditions
- Unauthorised change of use — including HMO enforcement
- Retrospective planning applications
- Defence against prosecution
You have just 28 days to appeal before an enforcement notice takes effect. Don't delay.
If you've been notified of a planning breach, I can advise whether retrospective planning permission is achievable, help defend against enforcement action, and negotiate solutions with Eastbourne Borough Council.
HMOs are a particularly complex area of planning in Eastbourne right now. Eastbourne Borough Council has introduced an Article 4 Direction removing permitted development rights for small HMO conversions in the Devonshire, Meads, Upperton, and part of the St Anthony's wards. This means landlords and developers in those areas now need full planning permission — and refusals are increasingly common.
If you've had an HMO application refused, received an enforcement notice for unauthorised HMO use, or need advice on whether your property requires a Certificate of Lawful Development, I can help.
Planning permission is usually required when changing how a building is used. I provide expert guidance on:
- Residential to HMO conversions
- Commercial to residential changes
- Hotel or tourist accommodation to residential
- Permitted development rights and exemptions
How I Can Help With Your Planning Matter
Whether you’re at the beginning of the planning process or facing an appeal or enforcement action, I offer tailored legal services:
✓ Initial consultation — discuss your case and options
✓ Site visits — assess your property and provide on-site advice
✓ Written legal advice — clear opinions on planning law matters
✓ Application drafting — prepare planning applications and appeals
✓ Evidence preparation — advise on strengthening your case
✓ Expert witness coordination — work with planners and technical experts
✓ Representation — appear at hearings, inquiries, and appeals
Why Choose a Planning Barrister in Eastbourne?
Expert legal knowledge — Specialist understanding of planning law, policy and procedure
Local experience — Familiar with Eastbourne Borough Council’s policies, including its HMO Article 4 Direction and conservation area requirements
Cost-effective — Direct access barrister means you don’t need to instruct a solicitor separately
Strategic advice — Realistic assessment of your chances and the best route forward
Eastbourne Planning Context
Eastbourne presents its own distinct planning challenges. Eastbourne Borough Council has 24 designated conservation areas, covering much of the Victorian and Edwardian town centre, the seafront, and historic suburbs. Works that would normally be permitted development can require full planning permission within these areas.
The council has also taken an increasingly active stance on HMOs, with new Article 4 Directions, a revised HMO Supplementary Planning Document, and more rigorous enforcement. If you’re a landlord or developer navigating Eastbourne’s HMO rules, specialist legal advice is essential.
Common Planning Questions in Lewes
What should I do if my planning permission is refused?
Review the decision notice carefully, then seek professional advice quickly. You may be able to appeal, resubmit a revised application, or negotiate with the council.
Can I apply for retrospective planning permission?
Yes, in many cases. However, if you’ve received an enforcement notice, time is critical — you must act within 28 days.
My HMO application was refused — can I appeal?
Yes. HMO appeals are increasingly common in Eastbourne given the council’s tightening policies. The strength of your appeal will depend on the specific reasons for refusal and the ward your property is in.
Do I need a solicitor and a barrister?
No. As a Direct Access barrister, you can instruct me directly without paying for a solicitor, making expert representation more affordable.
Get Expert Planning Advice in Eastbourne
Don’t navigate planning law alone. Whether you’re facing a refused application, an enforcement notice, or need help with a complex planning matter in Eastbourne, contact PDG Planning for specialist advice.
Serving Eastbourne, Hailsham, Polegate, Pevensey, and surrounding East Sussex areas.
CALL: 07796 643 854
EMAIL: philip@pdg-law.uk
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