Cemetery Lodge (renamed as Parker Place):

The following article published in the Bexhill Observer on 31 March 2023 following the grant of planning permission sets out the background to our development.

The site is located on the corner of Turkey Lane and St Mary’s Lane. It contains Cemetery Lodge, an attractive Edwardian building in the Arts and Crafts style. It retains much of its original fabric and features. Although the building has been extended, it forms a historic group with the gates and stone piers and tree-lined drive all providing a sense of entry.

This building is to be converted into two flats, both with two bedrooms. A further four, two bedroom flats are to be created in a two storey extension. This is set on slightly lower ground so that the Lodge is the dominant feature on the site. The flats will have small gardens to the rear or balconies, with a small communal garden to the front. There will be nine car parking spaces.

Copies of drawings forming part of the planning application are included below:

Present position

A start on the development has been delayed by two unforeseen issues – a sharp rise in building and material costs and the major downturn in the housing market. These problems have also led to the sad news of Westridge Construction, who were to partner with the Trust, entering administration. At the time of writing, we are in the process of re-tendering, aimed at smaller local contractors who have capacity to deliver the work to budget.