Friends of Lewes Planning Committee Report – 2nd April 2025

Representations made on planning applications following the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 2nd April 2025

Decisions:- The following SDNPA decision is available online:

SDNP/25/02594/HOUS: Knowlands, St. Martin’s Lane.

Additions comprising part two storey part three storey extension to side (east) and rear (south) elevations, roof outshot over rear/side entrance, raised terrace/balcony to the rear (south) elevation at ground floor level (note this appears as first floor level due to lower level of St Martins Lane), partly wrapping around the side (west) elevation. Demolition of garage in front courtyard (fronting Stewards Inn Lane) and construction of a flat roof garage/bike store, with a sliding timber door at the front, together with internal alterations. (Amended Plans). Approved.

New Planning Applications:-

SDNP/25/00928/FUL & 00904/LIS: 1-2 Cliffe High Street: Change of use of the ground floor of Nos. 1 & 2 to a Sui Generis public house, replacement of rear extension to No.1, new dormer and single storey rear extension to No.2, foundation stabilisation works to Nos.1 and 2 and repairs to river wall.

The Friends of Lewes consider this location to be most suitable for a change of use as a bar and restaurant, with accommodation for visitors on the first and second floors, as a means of promoting the profile of the Harvey’s Brewery as part of its ‘Campus Plan’.

The Society supports, in principle, extending the Listed Building to the rear and taking advantage of the river frontage. However, to be acceptable, the proposed rear extension would need to be very carefully designed and the Society recommends that a more detailed proposal, at a larger scale, needs to be prepared before this extension to a significant Listed Building can be supported.

The Society has these further suggestions:-

(1) That the outside beer garden should be enlarged, if at all possible, taking full advantage of the river frontage.

(2) Whilst it is important to maximise the fenestration / daylight on the west elevation, there may be a risk of too much sun glare in the summer, which may require control measures to limit its impact.

(3) That there should be a relationship between the proposed extension and the Harveys yard as an integral part of the proposed ‘Campus Plan’.

SDNP/25/00511/FUL: Spring Barn Farm, Kingston Road: Installation of 2no shepherds huts for holiday accommodation.

The Friends of Lewes consider this proposal to be an interesting alternative to pitching tents as a form of holiday accommodation at this location. However, the Society is concerned that this proposal should not be considered as a precedent for a larger development on this site and would strongly recommend that should this proposal be supported, that a Planning Condition be imposed limiting the number of shepherds huts to two units.

SDNP/00766/HOUS: 30 Cross Way: Loft conversion to rear.

The Friends of Lewes object to the proposed full width rear dormer, as it does not comply with the agreed Design Guidance for constructing new dormers within existing roofs.

SDNP/25/00630/FUL: 78 High Street: Change of use of lower ground floor unit from financial and professional services use (Class E(c)(ii), to a 1 bed residential flat (Class C3).

The Friends of Lewes object to this proposal, as the lower ground floor is unable to benefit from sufficient daylight to be suitable for a residential conversion.

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

SDNP/25/01159/HOUS: 3 Cross Way Lewes East Sussex BN7 1NE	Erection of single storey front elevation to replace porch and alterations to rear including the addition of glazed doors to dining area and the installation of raised terrace.
SDNP/25/01146/LIS: 144 High Street Lewes East Sussex BN7 1XT	Repair and restoration of 26.no windows on south and west elevations.
SDNP/25/01128/HOUS: 32 The Avenue Lewes East Sussex BN7 1QU	Installation of 7no solar panels to roof.
SDNP/25/01161/DCOND: 37 Cliffe High Street Lewes East Sussex BN7 2AN	Discharge of Condition 7 (photographic record of what is revealed under gypsum plaster) related to Planning Approval SDNP/24/04717/LIS.
SDNP/25/01069/CND: 44 Houndean Rise Lewes East Sussex BN7 1EQ	Variation of Condition 2 (plans) related to Planning Approval SDNP/24/04966/HOUS to include removal of side extension from plans.
SDNP/25/00957/HOUS: 50 South Street Lewes East Sussex BN7 2BS	Replacement of 6no windows and 1no door.
SDNP/25/00929/FUL: The Brewery Shop The Bridge Wharf Brewery 4 – 6 Cliffe High Street Lewes East Sussex BN7 2AH	Change of use of the small part of the ground floor and upper floors from ancillary office and staff accommodation to Visitor Accommodation/Use Class C1.
SDNP/25/00915/HOUS: 5 Valley Road Lewes East Sussex BN7 1LE	Erection of single storey side extension, rear infill extension and loft conversion.
SDNP/25/ 00909/FUL: The John Harvey Tavern Bear Yard Lewes East Sussex BN7 2AN	Change of Use Sui Generis public house to visitor centre.
SDNP/25/00905/LIS: The Brewery Shop The Bridge Wharf Brewery 4 – 6 Cliffe High Street Lewes East Sussex BN7 2AH	Internal works associated with the change of use of the small part of the ground floor and upper floors from ancillary office and staff accommodation to Visitor Accommodation /Use Class C1.
SDNP/25/00794/HOUS: 6 Lancaster Street Lewes East Sussex BN7 2PX	Erection of first floor catslide extension over existing rear flat roof to create additional bedroom and erection of second floor rear dormer serving existing loft.