Comment by Friends of Lewes

Shortly after the Society's Annual General Meeting committee members met Charles Style of Angel Properties at his request to discuss the proposals which had previously been exhibited publicly at the former Market Lane garage. Charles Style indicated that he had tried to address the points put forward by the Society last October but wanted our further views prior to making an application for outline planning permission. He hoped that the latter would take place shortly but it depended on receiving the results of various expert studies that had been commissioned and which would be appended to the planning application.

The Society representatives indicated that they welcomed this further consultation and, that although they might still want to raise or even object to specific aspects, they were content with the overall concept of re-developing this part of Lewes. This general but guarded welcome was also the view taken by the majority at the Society's Annual General Meeting. Whilst recognising that there are members who oppose the proposals, the Executive Committee consider it preferable to have housing on this site than in the countryside. If the result is right they believe the town could thrive as a result of the additional facilities to be provided. It is, however, important that the design is appropriate to Lewes and to that extent this developer, who has a strong team with local connections, has been prepared to take on board points raised by the Society including the need to integrate the scheme into the existing town centre.

When the outline planning application is submitted the Society will carefully consider all aspects including points made by members (please address any comments in a letter to the Society at the Town Hall) before reaching a formal view on the proposals. In particular we shall consider the effect of moving current businesses from the site, whether the infrastructure proposed is adequate, the scale, height, density and proposed use of the buildings, the flood prevention measures, and the road, footway, traffic and car parking proposals. We will also seek conditions in any planning approval to ensure that the environmental and amenity improvements envisaged are undertaken as the various phases of the development proceed.

From the Friends of Lewes Newsletter, Spring 2006.

See also the extract from the Friends of Lewes 2005 Annual Report below.