Sovereign Cafe plans dimmed

The owners of the Sovereign Light Cafe, at West Parade, wanted to build a single storey extension, enlarging the kitchen and incorporating toilet facilities, and add shutters to the front of the building.

But Rother's planning committee rejected the plans, saying the design was not appropriate.

Cllr Joy Hughes, of Bexhill Central ward, said if the application was approved, it would only add to existing problems with the building.

She said: "We have had a lot of problems with noise and smells coming from Sovereign.

"Putting the toilets there will mean people will use them as public toilets."

But some committee members said the cafe owner should not be discouraged from putting money into the town.

Cllr Paul Lendon said: "The last thing I want to see is stifling someone who is willing to invest in the town."

He added: "Often we try and help people afterwards and give them some guidelines.

"The seafront is very important to people and this is someone who wants to invest in the seafront - is there any way we could help them forward?"

Cllr Deirdre Williams said: "I would not like to see this gentleman discouraged.

"As it stands, it's not a very attractive building and the planning permission is to extend a not very attractive building, but there is a definite need for a cafe or some sort of refreshment there."

Cllr Wendy Miers said: "As an outsider coming in to Bexhill, the fact they offer refreshments and public conveniences, they should be encouraged."

But Cllr Miers conceded the design was 'not good enough'.