Lewes Matters Vision for North Street

Lewes Matters supports regeneration of the North Street area.

We believe, however, that to truly assess the potential of the site any vision must not be a reaction to an existing master plan; neither should it be constrained by the timetable of a planning application; nor should it be conceived in isolation of other development opportunities in Lewes.

Proposals for this flood plain site must be shaped by Lewes District Council’s Flood Risk Assessment and conform, in the long term, to Government legislation which states:  “All assessments of flood risk should demonstrate that .... it can be managed throughout the lifetime of the development” . And “...if possible, alternative sites should be considered” (PPS25).

We believe the weight of evidence of accelerated climate change impacts is now sufficient for a precautionary approach to be taken in order to avoid potentially locking in unsustainable land use to the detriment of future generations.  Therefore large-scale development of North Street should be deferred for at least two years so that the following factors be adequately considered:

• Alternative available sites
• Transition from Local Plan to Local Development Framework
• National Park status and change in the Planning Authority role
• Evolving understanding of climate change predictions and their regular reassessment
• Increasing Government legislation on sustainability issues
• Full proactive public consultation

If the Environment Agency decides that the risk of mixed-use development on this site is acceptable and the Planning Authority accepts this, the following principles should apply to any proposals:

• Sustainability to be the core principle underpinning regeneration
• Protection and enhancement of the natural and historic built environment and the cultural life of the community
• Appropriateness and sustainability of buildings and infrastructure over the lifetime of the development
• Employment provision should expand the economic base of the town, providing local jobs for local people
• Accommodation to include 40% socially inclusive housing which will support key workers
• Carbon neutral development
• Additional retail activity should strengthen, rather than weaken Lewes’ distinctive retail mix
• Decentralised energy and waste management strategies to secure transition from fossil fuels to renewables. Reduction in water use
• A substantial move away from car dependency through improved public transport, car clubs and car-free zoning
• Flood management rather than prevention in order to absorb flood water rather than redistribute it over other parts of the town

Lewes Matters have discovered a deep feeling of disenfranchisement over the planning process in Lewes. Here is a significant opportunity to re-establish the people’s faith in Local Government.

An expansion of this vision with the research that underpins it can be found at www.lewesmatters.co.uk