East Sussex fire crews tackle Eastbourne derelict car park blaze

Multiple firefighters were seen working on a blaze in the former JCP car park in Junction Road, Eastbourne late on Monday evening.

The fire comes as plans to demolish the “underutilised” site to make way for 101 flats are before Eastbourne Borough Council.

Fire crews in Junction Road (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

The plans would see the 1,015-space car park, which has fallen into disrepair having been closed for many years, turned into a new five storey building.

The Argus understands that three fire engines were deployed to the Junction Road fire yesterday evening following the blaze late on Monday.

Firefighters in breathing apparatus tackled the blaze while other members of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service consulted with Sussex Police PCSOs.

The fire service has been approached for comment.

In July, developers Elstree Land submitted plans to Eastbourne Borough Council to build 101 flats within a new five-storey building on the site of the vacant car park in Junction Road.

“The development will provide attractive open space opportunities for enjoyment, recreation and play, which respond to local need, as well as enhancing biodiversity on the site where possible”, the developers said.

Firefighters consulting with Sussex Police PCSOs (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

If approved, the block of flats would be comprised of 27 one-bedroom homes, 64 two-bedroom homes and ten three-bedroom homes.

There will be 60 unallocated car parking spaces provided and one cycle parking space per bedroom.

Five homes will be designed so they can be “easily” altered for a wheelchair user.

It is also proposed that the height of the new “statement” building will be less than the current structure.

A target determination date for the application was set for October, however no decision has yet been made according to the council planning portal.