Our Proposals
Churchill Living’s vision is to deliver a development providing approximately 44 one and two bed retirement living apartments.
The site has planning permission for a similar retirement living application (reference LW/22/0356) and the principle of regenerating the site for a retirement living development is therefore considered to be acceptable in planning terms.
Site Plan
Proposed view from East Street
Proposed view from Crouch Lane
Proposed view from Steyne Road
Indicative Elevations
East Street Elevation
Crouch Lane Elevation
Rear Elevation
Benefits
Regeneration of an important site – The proposals would regenerate this important site into positive and beneficial use and make a significant contribution locally in terms of social, economic and environmental benefits.
Meeting the needs of older people – By moving to a Churchill Community of like-minded people, isolation and loneliness are significantly reduced as are anxieties related to the maintenance of the home and to safety and security experienced by many older people, enabling our residents to enjoy greatly improved health and general wellbeing.
Freeing up homes – Research has shown that providing homes at the top of the housing ladder, which better meet the needs and aspirations of older people, helps release many larger, second-hand properties back onto the market for local families to move into. In turn, smaller homes are also released which are suitable for first-time buyers.
Reducing demands on health and social services – Retirement communities reduce the risk of health challenges by helping to reduce social isolation and loneliness for elderly people as well as improving safety and security.
Supporting local businesses - located in the town centre, the site is only a couple of minutes walk away from a plethora of shops and key facilities in Seaford; a new Churchill development will provide an uplift in year-round new footfall at local shops and businesses.
Need for retirement living
There is a pressing need for improved housing options for older people in Lewes District. In Lewes District, 27% of the population is aged 65 and above, and 13% is aged 75 and above. These percentages are significantly higher than the corresponding figures for England, which are 18% and 9%, respectively. The Lewes Housing Need Assessment, published in 2023, underscores the urgency of this issue. It projects that by 2040, the proportion of residents aged 75 and over will increase from 13% to approximately 19% of the total population. This represents an additional 7,779 individuals, a 58% increase in our senior population over the next 20 years.
Parking
The proposal includes approximately 44 retirement living apartments and 15 parking spaces. Pedestrian access is taken from East Street and will provide easy to access to High Street and onto Broad Street, which represents the heart of the business community in Seaford.
The typical age profile of those currently living at a Churchill community is an 80-year-old widow. Generally, 50% of residents also come from within a 5-mile radius of the location.
Given the above, residents of Churchill communities tend to not have cars. It is also generally found that those who do initially have cars tend to give them up soon after moving into a lodge as they no longer need it given the sustainable location and neighbourly living environment.
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