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Boardwalk :: Forum List The Phoenix Quarter General Discussion

hillary   positivity - 2006/05/10 16:20 i would like to point out the obvious, that there has been extreme negativity posted on this site. Although change can be frightening, i think it would be more productive if we could work on the inevitable factor of change, with a positive outlook. As the developer surprisingly, seem to be listening and responding, adjusting his plans according to constructive opinion, we could work together with ideas, giving a contribution to our society and the place that we so cherish. we should take advantage of this oppitunity. Lewes has seen some terrible changes over the years, buildings been put up with disreguard to the beauty of this historical town. we should ensure that this does not happen, but we must also ensure that we do not miss an oppitunity to move into the future.   | | You must login if you wish to contribute to this forum. S.Oliver   Re:positivity - 2006/05/11 02:41 Hilary. I appreciate that you feel that there is much negativity on this site, because there is. I think that local residents have every reason to be extremely negative about the specific plans we have been shown so far, not in their entirity, but as an overall vision. My reservations concern the proposed heights, volumes and densities of buildings, traffic issues, and building the ideas we have been shown, on a flood plain. I have asked for specific information about these issues, some of which has been provided, and significantly, some of which hasn't. It has become clear that the plans were not ready to be considered in April as was originally suggested. The discussion that residents want to have with the developer is currently out of sync with the point in the process that he has reached, so it is understandable that he has withdrawn until a later date. What has emerged from discussion is that much of the negativity is well founded, although there is no reason why it cannot be simply addressed by the developer, and it seems that he is willing to do that. For balance, I would be interesteted, as I am sure would Mr Style would also, to know what you, and any other residents visiting this site might feel are the positive aspects of this development might be, as I would agree there is a potential for a wonderful change in this location, and would like to see Mr Styles enable such an improvement.   | | You must login if you wish to contribute to this forum. Chris   Re:positivity - 2006/05/11 12:20 Well said, that sums up my feelings too. And that same intent is stated clearly by CABE, the government’s advisor on architecture, urban design and public space... "Fundamentally, CABE works on behalf of the public. That’s why we’re determined to inspire people to demand more from buildings and spaces. They, after all, are the people left behind after the planners and architects have moved on."   | | You must login if you wish to contribute to this forum. elinor   Re:positivity - 2006/05/11 23:40 I agree that we should try to be positive. I was very positive at first because this develpment is a very tempting posibility. I still think so. But when you look at the hopeless inadequacy of the details of this scheme it is actually really worrying. I wasn't aware that this was outline planning only, and that much of what is promised either can't be guaranteed,or even considered at this stage. I was really shocked when it became obvious that the devlopment isn't going to be built by Mr Style anyway , as he intends to sell it, so we could be left with drastic changes and buildings thrown up by Barrats. I realise that such things as cinemas, shops, and restaurants should be considered too, but honestly, to spend 2 years planning a big development like this without even knowing what kind of traffic it might generate, and where a comparable development might be is apalling. If Mr Style knew he would have told us. I'm not an architect, but I would have put the horse before the cart and find out first what the location can take before designing it. Surely a good design is dictated by the necessities of the site, not the other way round. I think the negativity displayed is part of a very positive change in the town. That residents are fed up with being told what is best for them, when it is blatantly obvious when there are problems on the horizon that Planning Officers, and Councillors are ignoring. I for one, am getting fed up with Councillors telling us after something has been built that they might have got it wrong. Especially when we have all told them before-hand what the problems will be. Mr Style is the unfortunate recipient of a completely fed up set of residents who have been all but erased from the debate. We now learn that our Councillors have been being incorrectly told they can't speak with the public about proposals(see Ruth O'keefe newsletter), and that there is a missing and long overdue conservation area assessment. Mr Style is benefitting from these failures, so I am sure he does not mind a bit of rough and tumble from residents who are only doing what their Council, and Councillors should have been doing for them.   | | You must login if you wish to contribute to this forum. John   Re:positivity - 2006/05/13 01:19 S Oliver asks other residents what they MIGHT find positive about the proposed development. Reasons to be positive 1,2,3,.... 1)Flood defenses. The creation of an area of Lewes free from the risk of floods and the resultant polution, loss of jobs and uncertainty for business and resident alike. 2)Jobs and economic growth for residents and their children, yes there is a need. 3) Homes for our children and others not yet on the ladder. 4) Improved facilities, access to the river, arts centre, cinema etc we can't all sit in Bills or Riverside 5) Possibly some good,sensitive, appropriate Architecture keep up the CONSTRUCTIVE input. I could go on.......   | | You must login if you wish to contribute to this forum.

Boardwalk :: Forum List The Phoenix Quarter General Discussion

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