If you want an idea of how Angel Property might develop the Phoenix Quarter in Lewes, it makes sense to examine the history of the Jam Factory in Bermondsey.  Though it is nowhere near the size of what they plan to build in Lewes, this conversion of an old factory in London remains the biggest project Angel have ever done, and features prominently on their website.

Developer Charles Style is proposing to build 800 flats and small houses, a commercial and retail centre including shops, offices and cafes, a multi-storey car park, a footbridge over the river and a cinema on the Phoenix Industrial Estate. It sounds fine until you look at the height and density of the buildings – and the likely effect of building an alternative to the high street with national chains. The proposal isn’t finalised yet, but we’ve seen and heard enough to know we don’t want it for Lewes. Phoenix Action is for those who are committed to fighting this and other ‘clone town’ proposals.