Holly Long
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Re:Phoenix Action - 2006/04/19 17:14
I have read the messages on this board, and be his views accurate, exaggerated or intentionally provocative, I applaud John Stockdale for having the strength of character and dynamism, to do something in order to challenge a development that he feels will not be of benefit to Lewes. There is too much apathy in general about such matters, too much complicity and a large development like this has serious implications for the town that need to be openly discussed and debated. I welcome his input and the fact that he CARES. This forum and debate should be taking place very visibly on the phoenix development website (which I have tried to look at but is still ‘coming soon’.)
Having grown up in Lewes I have seen it change dramatically from a very real (but beautiful) town full of butchers and green grocers shops and a real mix of people who’s families have been part of bonfire celebrations for generations - to a town full of lavender soap and elegantly twine bound tea towel shops and a more generic population who have moved to Lewes looking for a picture postcard lifestyle. I dont blame them - it is a great place to live, but it should be enjoyed for what it is, rather than the new money of those moving into the town being used to turn it into their picture postcard ideal. It is a sure fire way of killing off the heart of Lewes. My heart really sank when Café Nero arrived.
The things that I love about Lewes – a mix of REAL people and professions with a love of community, people with local history and therefore a real respect for the town, people with character and purpose, a town full of creativity and ingenuity but with a bit of a grungy edge … seems to be disappearing. It is almost as though the BEAUTIFUL town (in terms of location, history and architecture) is in danger of becoming a soulless shell.
I am not adverse to change, but I think that this new development needs to be carefully thought through rather than undertaken with haste and profit in mind. Even if it takes five years to get it right, then it should take five years before building proceeds. It also needs to be a development that will bring about POSITIVE change and ADD to Lewes rather than take away from it.
I am certain that the development needs to be undertaken with great care and taste – soulless, bland and cheap-to-construct buildings that do not blend into the architectural heritage of the town or draw on local materials would be absolutely disastrous. Why we cant build beautiful and traditional looking buildings with wonderful interiors baffles me.
There needs to be housing that local people can afford rather than housing that will only attract an additional number of London-based commuters into the town - and lead to higher house prices forcing families who are embedded in Lewes history out.
Business sites need to encourage and be available to local enterprises – or else the businesses that buy or rent these parts of a development, the related jobs and housing will also be taken by people moving into the town rather than those from the town. Thus adding very little in terms of local need.
Shops and eateries in the area will OF COURSE also have implications for existing businesses. There are only so many people shopping and eating out in the town – OF COURSE it could spell trouble for existing businesses on the High Street.
An Arts Centre needs to take into consideration and not undermine existing arts venues (All Saints Centre etc)…
There also need to be spaces for people to congregate in (Lewes could do with a decent sized town square (but of course that cuts building related profits)…
Essentially, this isn’t about the buildings on the development per se but the debate that John is rightly starting is really about the impact that such a development has on the general wellbeing and community of our town.
I am glad that John is leaping into action and more of us should. This is about CARING about Lewes and making sure that what is good about our town isn’t lost by a need to make profit and build on every space available.
Mr Style should recognise that this debate is not only about the asthetics and infrastructural implications of the proposed development, but about ensuring that any development ADDS to the vibrancy of the town, to the sustainability of current enterprises and enables existing communities to remain and new communities to understand and add to the wellbeing of our home. Threatening legal action against someone who cares and therefore challenges is tragic.
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