Technically from the date the application appears in the Sussex Express residents wishing to write letters of objection or support will have only 21 days to write to the Planning Department. Yes, just twenty one days in August when many of us are on holiday, including Officers in the Planning Department for whom we will surely have important questions.

It is also crucial to remember that for a letter to be considered by the Planning Department, it  must relate directly to the planning application, bearing in mind the following criteria;

1/ Planning Policy
2/ Special Designations
3/ Planning history
4/ Site considerations
5/ Neighbours
6/ Surrounding area

So you've been away on holiday, you haven't had a chance to wade through this enormous application up at the planning office, and the twenty one days are up, how will you get your voice heard?

We've written to Andrew Hill, the 'Case Officer' for the upcoming 'Phoenix Quarter' application, to seek clarification. His reply was unequivocal.

In essence, he confirmed that once an application is received the Council will carry out the necessary public consultation in accordance with the statutory requirements.  A notice will appear in the press, site notices will be placed around the site and relevant neighbours/amenity groups etc. will be consulted.  No other consultation options have been considered at this stage.

Will these groups include Lewes Matters? We earnestly hope so.

Mr Hill explained that while the usual period of consultation is 21 days, it is possible that this period will be extended – probably by one week. Comments received after any 'cut off' date may still be considered but are not contained within the committee report if they are received after the report has been written – Mr Hill stressed that it is important that responses are received within the consultation period so that  they can be considered when assessing the application.

Finally, we quote from his letter:

“The good thing is that there has already been a great deal of pre-application publicity by the applicant and therefore the people of Lewes are aware of this proposed development and it's likely scale and proposed land uses.  Therefore whilst there are likely to be some changes to the scheme between now and the actual submission the wider public are at least aware that an application is pending and what is likely to be submitted.”

We would like to share Mr Hill’s confidence. All our experience shows that there are still many, many Lewes residents who have little or no understanding whatsoever of the scale of the proposed development.

Lewes Matters have consistently sought to listen to all opinions concerning this development, to relay them to the council and developer, and to gather factual material. Following the imminent results of the survey and taking into account all our correspondents and dialogue with Lewes residents over the last nine months, we will publicise our agenda for when the application is submitted.

We cannot assume any unique position or expertise in this matter that is so crucial to our town. However we make this promise:

Any Lewes resident who wishes in due course to make a representation to the Council over the Phoenix Development Planning Application and who would seek clarification on any planning or other issue may contact us by email or telephone, when we will do our best to assist them.