Update on Local Government Reorganisation
On 16th July the Eastbourne Reporter released details of a letter from the Secretary of State for Local Government to East Sussex County Council announcing his decision to transfer 4 local Councils within the current Lewes District - over to Brighton & Hove. You can read Paul Bromley's article here.
Ocklynge Chapel move
We moved our collections from the Town Hall to Ocklynge Chapel on Tuesday August 4th. More on this in the next edition of the magazine.
Our next Talk
Usually held on the Second Tuesday in the month. The next Talk is on October 6th with Gaynor Sedgwick from Friends of Eastbourne Seafront.
Sep
2026
Will the NPPF Actually Get Eastbourne Building?
We need more homes, we need to make better use of brownfield land and we need to find new uses for buildings and sites which have outlived their original purpose. But there is a danger of assuming that changing the planning system will, by itself, get Britain building again.
Eastbourne provides some fairly compelling evidence that the problem is considerably more complicated.
Read the full article HERE by our Trustee & Planning Adviser, Steve Knott
Sep
2026
Results of the Survey
The recently held independent public consultation on Eastbourne's Carpet Gardens revealed strong public backing for the new style gardens, with 69.56% of respondents voting to permanently retain
the new sustainable planting style instead of
returning to the more traditional Victorian style
bedding, which has for decades been a visual iconic
representation of Eastbourne's seafront.
• Total Responses: 16,014 people participated in the
independent survey carried out by Blueberry PR,
which ran from 13 May to 31 August 2026.
• Sustainable Planting: 69.56% (11,139 votes roughly)
preferred the modern, drought-resilient eco-scheme
designed by landscape designer Peter Thurman.
• Traditional Victorian Bedding: 30.44% favoured
reverting to the classic seasonal flower arrangements.
You can read more on this in the Autumn edition of the Society's OBSERVER MAGAZINE produced quarterly for members only.
Aug
2026
New Government National Planning Policy Framework
Just when we thought we were getting used to the last one, the Government published a completely revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) on 17 August 2026, replacing the December 2024 version.
The intention is clear. Government wants a planning system which is quicker, clearer and more predictable and, above all, delivers substantially more housing.
July
2026
New Bar/Restaurant is planned for the Tower House (former Heritage Centre)
A proposal has been put forward for the former Heritage Centre to be turned into a Lounge Bar and Restaurant by the owners of the nearby Bohemia Pub.
Planning Application 260253 for The Tower House at 2 Carlisle Road can be seen here.
Become A Member
Join or Renew HERE
January is membership renewal month.
Help make a better Eastbourne by joining a passionate community of 500 people dedicated to preserving Eastbourne’s unique charm.
Find out what is happening in our town and with other get actively involved in local initiatives.
Support our mission ensuring Eastbourne has a bright and vibrant future.
66
Years
430+
Members
5
Trustees
Membership of The Eastbourne Society
Get Involved
Members are invited to get involved by giving feedback, volunteering or serving on the board of trustees.
Volunteer
The Eastbourne Society is run by volunteers who support various projects and committees. Tell us what you are interested in by downloading and completing a Volunteering Form HERE
Trustee Nomination
Our AGM is held in April each year. Members can put themselves forward for election to join the Board of Trustees by downloading a Trustee Nomination Form HERE
Where to find us
Second Tuesday Monthly
On the Second Tuesday in the month we host a talk at 7.30pm in the Sussex Suite at The Cavendish Hotel Eastbourne.
Visitors are welcome to come and join us as a Guest and can pay £5 on the door.
Last Friday
Monthly
On the Last Friday in the month several Heritage Groups can be found displaying literature at The Gather Space in the Beacon Shopping Centre between 10am and 4pm.
A Conservation Officer is available between 1pm and 3pm to answer questions
Legal
- Organisation: The Eastbourne Society
- Registered Office: Ocklynge Chapel North, 3 Willingdon Road, Eastbourne, BN21 1TL
- Contact: secretary@eastbournesociety.uk
- Charity Number: 1142550
- Company Number: 7335791
- Regulator: Charity Commission & Companies House
Membership
- Open to all Eastbourne residents
- Annual membership fees: Individual £20; Joint £25; Under 25s £10
- Monthly talks & Social Events
- Free quality Quarterly Magazine called the Observer
- Sign Up Here