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<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 4 5 Next > End >> C M Darcy   Re:Conservation Area Advisory Committee - 2006/05/05 09:07 The indefensibly hideous building in St John St proves how much we need just such an additional layer of protection as proposed by Anthony. I understand that this particular building was recommended to the planning authority by the Architectural Committee. It would appear that one of the members of this committee is himself the architect of the building. We don't know if he commented on his own application but even the Friends of Lewes are disturbed by the closeness of the relationship. Indeed the very councillor who at the time applauded the design of St John St recently accepted that "we may have made a mistake" Too late for this previously dignified corner of town but what next. We now learn that Rees Elliott, who comissioned & built both the controvertial St John St and Albion St structures, have now bought the bus station site, we simply cannot continue to allow the planning system to remain wide open to abuse. Campaign for CAAC now.   | | You must login if you wish to contribute to this forum. AJD   Re:Conservation Area Advisory Committee - 2006/05/05 10:31 Thanks for all the above. .....and now, to add to our cups of woe, we learn that, of the 14 trusted Councillors who sit on the LDC Planning Committee, just two represent Lewes. It gets worse. The 14 members of this group with ultimate power are about to be cut to 11. And guess how many will represent Lewes? One. So planning issues that impact upon the Lewes Conservation Area will be determined by a group whose elected interests range from Seaford to Chailey, from Alfriston to Ditchling. With just one from Lewes. Can any of these worthy people care as passionately about our town, our Conservation Area, as much as we do who live here? A properly constituted and recruited Conservation Area Committee would help the planners, elected and professional alike, to avoid the mistakes of the past.   | | You must login if you wish to contribute to this forum. John Stockdale   Re:Conservation Area Advisory Committee - 2006/05/05 12:58 It's worse than that, I'm afraid, Anthony. Until two years ago there were two planning committees: North covering Lewes and the hinterland and South for the coastal towns. There was a strong Lewes voice on the Northern one and they usually carried the day on Lewes issues. When the two were merged, the dominant voice came from the coastal towns: Peacehaven, Newhaven and Seaford, each of which has been wrecked over the years by appallingly bad planning. So, until Lewes escapes from the LDC planning regime when the National Park is instituted, it's up to individuals to man the barricades.   | | You must login if you wish to contribute to this forum. adrienne campbell   Re:Conservation Area Advisory Committee - 2006/05/05 22:18 I'm afraid I know nothing of planning politics but something must be wrong if my teendage daughter volunteered that looking at the St John's Street development 'made her feel sick'. This evening we were having a picnic in the Pells Park and I wondered where the trees, birds, views, peace, would be with modern 4-5 storey houses overlooking where we sat; as the main natural amenity, the Pells area will be overrun with people, let alone cars. We are desperately in need of a CAAC so that people who live in and care about very specific neighbourhoods can have a say, rather than developers whose sole interest is profit (let's face it - it's their business) or councils who do not represent people like me. I fully support Anthon Dick's proposals. HOw can we bring them into reality? Could a town council meeting be convened?   | | You must login if you wish to contribute to this forum. AJD   Re:Conservation Area Advisory Committee - 2006/05/06 10:01 Adrienne - and everyone else who has been so supportive to the idea of a CAAC for Lewes - It is essential that the District Council is persuaded of the need for such a committee, if only because a) they would be the main beneficiaries (after Lewes itself) and b) they will have to pay for it. Taking the cost element first, because the members of the committee would give their time on a voluntary basis the annual expenditure would be surprisingly modest. My plan, which I am happy to make public, is to develop a full feasibility study which will demonstrate to the Council how effective the CAAC would be in helping them to make informed decisions over all planning matters that would have an impact on the conservation area itself. This will comprise: 1) A detailed model, together with testimonials from Councillors and Planners from other, similar towns that have a CAAC. 2)Publicity for the concept using local press and electronic media, like this! 3) Measurement of the level of support for the CAAC within Lewes, possibly with a public meeting, Adrienne. 4)Canvassed support from the professional bodies who would be required to field candidates for membership (RIBA etc). Throughout this I will continue to lean on support and advice from Keith Warren, Hon Secretary of the Chichester CAAC and his colleagues. All ideas, criticisms, and any offers of practical help will be extremely welcome. Anthony   | | You must login if you wish to contribute to this forum. adrienne campbell   Re:Conservation Area Advisory Committee - 2006/05/07 00:12 FAB. Count me in for helping practially. Adrienne.   | | You must login if you wish to contribute to this forum.

Boardwalk :: Forum List The Phoenix Quarter General Discussion

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