Holly
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Re:Phoenix Action - 2006/04/19 22:34
Like Dominic, I would welcome Mr Style's retraction, ask that he continues to welcome challenge and opposition as is healthy, and am glad at his statement:
‘I do not think this is all about money and I fully endorse the request for sensitive and appropriate development.’
Mr Style is a business man and a developer and it is clear that the development must have financial merit and make a sizeable profit for it to be worthwhile to his company. Development, it seems to me, is often about making as much money from as small a space as is possible, so should Mr Style have more radical and non-monetary view of the development we should welcome this.
If his perspective is genuine, then it is to be a case of balancing the business needs (profit) of the developer with local need (our views about what Lewes really needs) and this is where the focus of our debate should lie. I suggest that Mr Style must have a view as to the level of profit that makes this development viable to him and perhaps this should be a starting point (i.e. enabling debate on what can be chopped and what could be added).
Personally, I dread the thought of Lewes becoming an immaculately developed twee-town with no areas that are a bit shabby – it would be unreal. I also dread the thought of a shopping centre full of high street chains – it would undermine the quirkiness of the town and local traders. I like the fact that the area isn’t pristine or over crowded and has basic premises for industry.
However, as it is incredibly likely that the land will be developed, and it is therefore key that the shape and scope of the development is sensitive and appropriate, should Phoenix Action not be fighting for what we want to see first, and fight against the development of the area if this vision cannot be achieved later?
Equally, should Mr Style be prepared to forego extreme profit (as he suggests) and maybe develop the site in a way that is sensitive to the needs of the town – and in a way that reflects the character of the town (a historically radical, ‘green’, creative, quirky, architecturally varied town full of artisans, craft peoples and small businesses set up by self starters) then in the longer term he could be using this development as part of a portfolio for his business as a ‘developer of the future’ (esp given the huge sustainability agenda)thus forgoing immediate profit for longer-term viability and profits.
Not to labour the point – should sensitivity and appropriateness to the town take pride of place over money and profit, then a development of such a large part of Lewes should be radical and quirky (but with elements of day to day normality to prevent tweedom)– and should meet the needs of those who already live here first – rather than catering for a new population. It could be amazingly environmentally advanced and forward thinking, - solar, wind, rainwater harvesting, encouraging live-work rather than commuting…. it could create solutions to problems (such as the lack of affordable workshop space for local crafts people or workspace for the self-employed or local small businesses), it could and should provide low cost housing for those who have generations of family in the town but can no longer afford to stay, it could and should provide retail and industrial premises for genuinely useful businesses (car services included!!), it could provide practical spaces – such as decent sized open spaces Italian style piazzas, for outside events – such as concerts etc etc and it shouldn’t put pressure on local schools, doctors and dentists, parking etc etc , it shouldn’t create work spaces for external businesses that could end up employing 800 staff from outside of Lewes, it shouldn’t turn the town into a place for mindless shoppers and eater-outers, but should build on the heritage of the town as a place of doers, it shouldn’t build 8 storey buildings or create high density living spaces for the sake of high level financial returns but should be aesthetically sensitive, it shouldn’t undermine the existing infrastructure – arts centres, shops….
I just wonder how radical and sensitively appropriate Mr Style is willing to be, as such a development would certainly get people excited and motivated and would face a great deal less opposition. However, it wouldn’t make huge profit margins..
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