Friends of Lewes 2005 Annual Report

In September Angel Properties announced outline details of their proposal to redevelop the Phoenix site, which they also presented at the Society's Autumn General Meeting. Our considered response was to welcome the principle of re-developing this site, as the current buildings there are of little architectural merit, but to say that any new development there should complement rather than compete with the existing town centre and that the design should be worthy of subsequent inclusion in the conservation area. Specifically we had no objection to the relocation of employment opportunities to Malling, but had concerns as to whether the town's infrastructure could cope with the development and the height of some of the buildings. We also welcomed the proposed flood prevention measures, a further pedestrian bridge over the river, additional car parking and proposed non-housing uses. At the turn of the year an outline planning application had not been submitted for the development but we will give careful consideration to it as it is clearly a large proposal which has already attracted some opposition in the town.

From the Friends of Lewes 2005 Annual Report