Friends of Lewes Planning Committee Report 10 January 2023

Representations made on planning applications following the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 10 January 2023:

SDNP/22/05602/HOUS: Weald View, The Avenue: Erection of dormer to side elevation.
The Friends of Lewes have no objection to this proposal in principle, but are not convinced that this particular design is the best solution. The Society would like to suggest that the proposed dormer would benefit visually from having some fenestration integrated into its structure, rather than only relying on a top light.

SDNP/22/05651/HOUS: 35 Cranedown: Removal of existing sun room and replacement of single-storey rear extension, rear dormer, garage conversion, and addition of external garden store below rear terrace.
The Friends of Lewes object to the proposed large box dormer to the rear as it would not comply with the agreed design guidance for dormers and in addition consider that this proposal would be clearly visible within the wider landscape setting to the south of the Kingston Road. In addition, the Society considers the proposed full height fenestration to the workshop is not a sympathetic match to the existing windows and as such would be inappropriate on the front street elevation.

SDNP/22/05666/HOUS: 46 Grange Road: Part single and part two-storey rear extension with second floor terrace, alterations to the front boundary wall, and addition of driveway and electric car charging point.
The Friends of Lewes object to the proposed demolition of the front boundary wall as it would be extremely detrimental visually to the street scene in this part of Grange Road, particularly as 45 & 46 Grange Road were built as a pair of semi-detached houses with the front wall to number 45 being symmetrical to number 46.

Furthermore, the Society is concerned about the limited depth of the proposed off street parking area and the space available in Grange Road to manoeuvre in and out of this area given that cars are parked on the opposite side of the road, which becomes narrower at this location.

There may also be a safety issue of adequate sight lines for drivers heading east, as Grange Road bends slightly north to the west of this site.

Furthermore, at the beginning and end of the school day, Grange Road can become very busy with both traffic and large numbers of pedestrians walking to and from the two local primary schools.

The Society is also concerned about the scale of the proposed rear extensions and the resulting mass of building structure and the juxtaposition of the rear terrace possibly having an impact on the stability of the large flint boundary wall to the rear of the property.

SDNP/22/05747/HOUS: 1 Hamsey Crescent: Loft conversion with rear dormer and porch to front.
The Friends of Lewes object to both the proposed large dormer to the rear as it would not comply with the agreed design guidance for dormers, and to the loss of the existing hipped roof which would result with the proposed introduction of a gable on the south elevation. The Society is also concerned about the proposed introduction of yellow window frames, which it considers would be inappropriate.

SDNP/22/05756/HOUS: Badan Lodge Cuilfail: Erection of single-storey semi-subterranean extension to rear, single storey extension to front, addition of pool and pool house, addition of external terracing to the west, demolition of existing single-storey garage and two outbuildings, and internal alterations.
The Friends of Lewes appreciate that this proposal would result in a significant change to the existing building but consider that the overall appearance of the conversion to be rather disappointing on this very prominent and visible site in Cuilfail. In addition, the Society is concerned that there is scope for the “Proposed Annexe” to be used as a separate dwelling and would like to suggest that assurances be obtained from the applicant that this will not be the case.

SDNP/22/05639/HOUS: 37 Hamsey Crescent: Loft conversion with hip to gable conversion and dormer.
The Friends of Lewes object to both the proposed large dormer to the rear, as it would not comply with the agreed design guidance for dormers, and to the proposed introduction of a gable to the side elevation resulting in the loss of the existing hipped roof, which would be considered inappropriate at this location.

The Committee examined the following applications and had no observations to make:

SDNP/22/04407/LIS: 25 Keere Street	Re-roofing works.
SDNP/22/05135/LIS & 05590/FUL: 13 High Street	Remove signage and ATM.
SDNP/22/05288/HOUS: 36 The Course	Two-storey side and rear infill extension.
SDNP/22/05365/HOUS: 55 Priory Street	Replace grated pavement light.
SDNP/22/05406/LIS & 05597/FUL: 144 High Street	Change of use to offices.
SDNP/22/05578/HOUS: 2 Cluny Street	Replace front windows and door.
SDNP/22/05645/LIS, 05570/HOUS & 05567/DCOND: Elmtree House, Southover High Street	Replace windows including front bay window and new access obscured rooflight/roof hatch.
SDNP/22/05828/LIS: 2 St Pancras Road	Demolish side and rear extensions and replace with new part-single, part-two storey rear and side extensions. Alter windows, remove internal staircase and enlarge door opening to rear extension.
SDNP/22/05598/FUL & 05599/LIS: 50 High Street	Change of use to hot food takeaway and associated works.
SDNP/22/05741/HOUS: 30 Cross Way	Single storey rear extension.
SDNP/22/05827/HOUS: 23 Firle Crescent	Two-storey side extension, single-storey side/rear extension, raised rear patio and demolish garage and side/rear structures.
SDNP/05957/HOUS: 3 Eridge Green	Single storey rear extension, loft conversion, driveway with dropped kerb.