2 May 2008: Lewes is not "over-developed" says Lewes District Council

Media: 991

Lewes District Council’s Lead Councillor for Planning, Peter Gardiner said “It is time to scotch exaggerated claims that Lewes as a town is “over-developed”. Looking back over the last ten years, the average annual house building rate in the town was 32 dwellings. This is very small when compared to the existing number of dwellings in the town, and a much lower annual build rate than other nearby towns like Seaford or Newhaven. 

Outward expansion of the town is strictly controlled by national landscape designations (Sussex Downs AONB and proposed National Park ) and the floodplain of the Ouse. However, there are brownfield sites that are either vacant, derelict or under used. These would deteriorate further if potential developers do not come forward with ideas and plans to develop them in the future.

There is a need to provide good quality housing within our towns that gives residents easy access to everyday services and public transport links. This must be better than putting houses in less accessible places where people are heavily dependent on the car, and then cause CO2 emissions and contribute to climate change.

We also need to remember that there are acute housing needs in Lewes and that the larger development sites are our main source of new affordable housing for local people.

Lewes District Council’s Planning Applications Committee meets every three weeks to consider planning applications and residents are given every opportunity to make their views and comments to us. There are strict guidelines in relation to planning permission being given for developments that are on areas of land at risk from flooding. Development proposals in such areas are subject to the most rigorous testing using national and local planning policies for managing flood risk. The Environment Agency are always consulted and their advice taken. We can, and do, refuse planning permission for inappropriate developments. For example, we will be fighting a planning appeal in June against a major residential development on the floodplain in Lewes.” 

Lewes District Council has to respond to all planning applications it receives within a set time limit. It does not dictate the content or timing of applications that are submitted to the Council. In the case of small applications for less than 10 properties within 8 weeks.  Larger applications (over 10 houses or 1000m2 commercial floor space) within 12 weeks, and those that need additional assessment, such as an “Environmental Impact Assessment” within 16 weeks. After these deadlines have expired, applicants can appeal to the Government and take the decision out of the hands of local councillors. 

To find out more about the planning process and to view planning applications please visit our website http://www.lewes.gov.uk/

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