Hastings house plans delayed over possible badger sett
Councillors call for further checks after evidence suggests a protected badger sett could be close to the proposed development
Plans to build a new house in Hastings have been put on hold after councillors raised concerns about a possible badger sett nearby.
Hastings Borough Council’s planning committee was considering proposals to demolish a garage at 1 Ridgewood Gardens and replace it with a detached home.
The application had been recommended for approval by planning officers.
However, new evidence suggesting there could be a badger sett close to the site prompted a review of the plans.
Council officers say more information is needed, including a further site visit by an ecology officer, before a decision can be made.
Badgers and their setts are protected by law, and officers said it would not be appropriate to approve the development until the potential impact on the animals had been properly assessed.
Councillors voted to defer the application entirely, meaning a decision will be made at a later date once the ecological assessment has been completed.
The application is listed under reference HS/FA/25/0022 on the Hastings Borough Council planning register.