Anger as Buchanan gets the axe

Residents are furious over plans to demolish the remains of the Buchanan Hospital in Springfield Road Conservation Area (pictured).

Plans are afoot to flatten the Victorian building, paving the way for three new houses.

But many residents think its place in history should be preserved.

Louise Chatterton, from Sedlescombe Road South, said: "It's a disgrace. Most of the town's children were born there, and many people from the Silverhill area worked there. We had no trouble whipping up signatures for a petition.

"The council would have double standards - I can't get double glazing in a conservation area, but they could tear down the hospital.

"The applicants development fails to reflect this buiding's unique character and social contexts, nor its unique character in our lovely conservation area.

"Undoubtedly there is a market for such a rare building that oozes character - not displayed in mooted replacements.

"No one would have a problem if they converted the original building into apartments."

Louise handed a petition with more than 100 signatures to the council this week. The application is due to come up in next month's planning meeting.

The main bulk of the Buchanan Hospital was torn down in 2000 to make way for new developments. [email protected]