Council legal claim against the ‘eyesore’ Seaford scaffold

Lewes Borough Council confirmed it had brought the complaint against the owners of the ‘eyesore’ scaffolding at Talland Parade in Broad Street, Seaford, for general public nuisance.

The council believes it has a ‘good case’ due to the unreasonable length of development work at Talland Parade and the adverse impact it will have on Seaford residents.

The area received planning permission for ten apartments in 2012, but has remained largely untouched since then.

James MacCleary, Chair of the Council, said: “After years of hard work, I now hope that the High Court will reward the patience of Seaford residents and bring a long overdue end to this most unfortunate saga.

“The building’s owner has grossly misjudged the determination of this council and local residents to finally see the back of their shameful scaffolding.”

The council says it has “examined every legal avenue to address this nuisance” and has sought advice from a lawyer who specializes in this type of dispute.

The scaffolding pictured in November 2021

A trial date has not yet been confirmed.

Council Member Zoe Nicholson, Deputy Chair of the Council, said: “The owner has acted in total disregard for the interests of businesses and businesses near Talland Parade, using legal loopholes to thwart any effort to dismantle the scaffolding, but no longer. ”

Gary Bedford, one of the business owners under the structure

Councilor Stephen Gauntlett, Cabinet Member for Planning, said: “This latest development is good news but we will not rest until the sorry scaffolding is dismantled.

“At this time I would particularly like to thank the Seaford Residents’ Voice, Seaford City Council and everyone else who provided invaluable evidence in support of the council’s claim, and I would also like to thank our legal team for their tremendous efforts in helping us to do so bring point.”

The owner has been asked for comment.