The plans are assessed by planning officers in the light of national, regional and local policy. The planning department then makes its recommendation for acceptance or refusal to Lewes District Council¹s Planning Committee, who then vote to either accept it, with or without modifications, or to reject it.

The planning committee is made up of councillors from across  Lewes District. This includes Chailey, Ditchling, Newick, Plumpton, Seaford, Telscombe, Peacehaven, Newhaven & Ringmer. At the present time the 11 person committee has two councillors from Lewes town itself.