Black awnings on pub would "enhance" Devonshire Square say councillors

The meeting rejected advice from officers to refuse the application on the grounds that the awnings would "undermine the visual appearance of the ornate facades.".

The pub is in the town's Edwardian conservation area. The pub's owners, F. Forte Developments, want the black awnings to provide shade for customers sitting outside on sunny days.

Cllr Joy Hughes successfully moved that permission should be granted, subject to a condition that the awnings should be retracted when the pub is not in use.

Bexhill's French-born Town Mayor, Cllr Patrick Douart, argued: "I think it will definitely improve the look of the area.

"I think it would look very much better."

Cllr Deirdre Williams agreed.

"I think it would improve the look of the building. It adds to it."

As debate continued, members' feelings about the current state of Devonshire Square emerged.

Cllr Paul Lendon said: "Devonshire Square for me doesn't do anything for the town.

"If someone wants to do something to make it a bit more usable that's fine by me.

"I am very pleased that someone is trying to do something with Devonshire Square."

Committee chairman Cllr Brian Kentfield was concerned about the impact of the awnings on the visual detail of the building.

"It is the quality of the building that we have there that makes it attractive. It is a very prominent building."

Cllr Lendon countered: "I totally agree with you that it is a prominent building but I think the awnings will enhance the area there."

Debate turned to the colour of the proposed awnings.

Cllr Williams asked: "Are we trying to help businesses or are we not? Businesses are struggling in this town and to knock them back when they are trying to do something and impose conditions on them does not seem helpful."

She added: "Does Devonshire Square as it exists enhance the area...?"

Cllr Nick Ramus, who is well over six feet tall, asked what height the awnings would be.

Members have to declare an interest if they have a financial stake in an application or know the applicants personally.

Cllr Ramus said amid laughter: "I declare an interest on behalf of tall people!

"There is nothing on there (the application details) to say the height or dimensions.

"There are so many places where awnings do pose a danger for people of my altitude."