I am contacting you to let you know that on 13 September 2024, officials on behalf of the Secretary of State placed a Holding Direction on the above application under Article 31 powers of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015.
The Secretary of State has directed South Downs National Park Authority not to grant permission on this application without specific authorisation. This has been issued to allow sufficient time for her to give full consideration to matters raised in requests to call in the application as well as all other relevant matters. The issuing of a Holding Direction should not be taken as an indication as to whether an application will be called in or not.
The matter is currently under consideration, and I will be in touch with an update in due course.
Representations made on planning applications following the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 4th September 2024
01/08/24 to 29/08/24:
SDNP/24/02594/HOUS: Knowlands, St Martins Lane: Additions comprising part two storey part three storey extension to side and rear (south) elevations, roof outshot over rear / side entrance, addition of a triangular shaped 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 flat roof garage / bike store, with a sliding timber door at the front, together with internal alterations.
The Friends of Lewes object to this application as there is insufficient architectural detail provided in support of the proposals. Of particular concern is the proposed use of a rain-screen cladding, which is considered to be inappropriate at this important location within the conservation area. The Society is also concerned about the lack of information regarding any proposed changes to the street scene, which could have a significant impact on immediate neighbours, both in Stewards Inn Lane to the north, and on a number of existing buildings on the east side of St Martins Lane, which overlook the application site.
SDNP/24/03187/HOUS: 7 Willie Cottages, South Street: Replacement Windows.
The Friends of Lewes object to this application as there is insufficient information provided on the detail of the replacement windows.
SDNP/24/03414/HOUS: 3 Hamsey Crescent: 2 storey side extension and loft conversion with rear dormer.
The Friends of Lewes object to this application as it would have an unacceptable impact on the street scene in Hamsey Crescent for the following reasons:-
(1) The proposed front elevation is misleading as the 2 storey side extension would abut no. 5 Hamsey Crescent, which is not illustrated.
(2) The proposed front porch would be in front of the building line.
(3) The proposed roof to the side extension is considered to be unsatisfactory.
(4) The proposed rear dormer does not comply with the agreed design guidance to construct dormers within existing roofs.
(The Society also would like to comment that the neighbouring no.7 Hamsey Crescent is a good example of better massing of the roof profile).
The Committee examined the following applications and had no observations to make:
SDNP/24/03072/HUS: 81B Western Road.
Rear integral garage conversion including replacement of door with windows, addition of rear door and replacement rear windows.
SDNP/24/03165/HOUS: 22 Ferrers Road.
Demolition of existing detached garage to side and conservatory to the rear, addition of single storey side extension, installation of raised garden patio to rear and alterations to rear fenestration.
The FoL has been contacted by Civic Voice and invited to participate in a survey concerning the NPPF.
Dear Diana,
In the wake of the King’s Speech and recent headlines about the new Government’s planning reforms a widespread debate has emerged.
Given the extensive feedback we’ve received, Civic Voice is conducting a crucial survey to gather insights from civic societies and communities across England. Input from groups such as The Friends of Lewes is essential as we evaluate your familiarity with these reforms and your potential thoughts on their potential impact on towns, villages, and cities across the UK. The findings will be shared with the new Housing Minister, Matthew Pennycock MP.
Key Survey Questions include: Do you believe these planning reforms will effectively “get Britain building again” and deliver 1.5 million new homes by 2029? Do you perceive a housing crisis in the UK? Please explain your thinking. How would new homes and housing benefit your local area? How can we ensure that civic societies are seen as part of the solution to local issues, rather than as a NIMBY movement? How can we challenge this perception? Would you be interested in attending further discussions to help shape Civic Voice’s response to the National Planning Policy Framework consultation This survey marks the first phase of Civic Voice’s initiative to support communities. We will be organising further briefings, webinars, and dedicated events to foster continued engagement and provide updates. Civic Voice members should keep in touch with Civic Voice and check our dedicated emails for information.
Why Your Response Matters We need as many civic organisations to respond as possible, as we will be using the information to inform our work with the APPG for Civic Societies. Your feedback is vital in shaping public sentiment and guiding ongoing discussions about these crucial reforms. We will be writing with more information on how you can help the APPG soon. Additionally, we encourage civic societies and community groups to discuss these issues locally to widen engagement on the proposals.
If you require any further information about the proposals, please do get in touch.
Representations made on planning applications following the meeting of the Planning Committee held on3rd July 2024
3/6/24 to 28/6/24:
SDNP/24/02292/FUL: 64 High Street: Change of use of part of ground/lower floor and first and second floors to 4 residential units together with alterations to the roof to create a new third floor for a further residential unit. Alterations to side and rear elevations to replace windows and doors, various changes to rear parking to create amenity space, parking and ancillary facilities.
The Friends of Lewes object to this application for the following reasons:-
(1) The Society is concerned about the proposed significant reduction of commercial floor space on the ground and lower ground floors, as the Society considers that it is important to maintain options for future commercial uses fronting the High Street at this important location.
(2) The Society acknowledges that there is potential for residential units on the first and second floors.
(3) However, the Society objects to the proposed alterations to the roof to create a new third floor for a further residential unit as this would result in an unacceptable roof profile, when viewed from a number of local vantage points, including the Castle. In this respect the Society endorses the recommendations of the Conservation Officer.
(4) It is not clear whether the two parking spaces to be retained at the rear would continue to be solely for the commercial use at ground floor, resulting in no parking provision for any of the proposed residential units.
(5) Although some provision has been made for cycle storage to the rear of the property, the space would appear to be cramped and access to the storage of individual cycles restricted.
(6) No space provided has been allocated at the rear of the property for the provision of both refuse and recycling wheelie bins for either the retained commercial use, or for the proposed residential units. In this respect, the Society suggests that the proposed amenity space be abandoned in order to avoid any wheelie bins being located in the High Street at the front of the building.
SDNP/24/01177/HOUS: 7 Berkeley Row: Single storey side extension.
The Friends of Lewes appreciate that this proposal is minor and consider it unfortunate that it would both be clearly visible from Berkley Row and limit future access to the rear garden. The Society would therefore like to suggest that it would be beneficial if the extension could be set further back from the frontage of the house and that the finish of the extension should try to match the original house. It would also be beneficial if a new access to the rear garden could be achieved via the adjacent footway to the west of the house.
SDNP/24/02347/FUL: 3 South Street: Erection of single storey rear extension, extension to the existing cellar, replacement of outrigger roof, replacement of pitched roof window, lowering of rear boundary wall and external renovation.
The Friends of Lewes object to this application for the following reasons:-
(1) This dwelling is located within Flood Zone 2 and was flooded in the 2000 Lewes Flood, together with a significant number of other buildings in the adjacent South Street / Cliffe High Street area.
(2) Within this context, the Society is concerned about any proposal to excavate below ground in this area in order to either increase the size or to lower the floor level of existing cellars, which should be used for storage purposes only and should not be considered as possible ‘habitable space’.
(3) Indeed, the Society is concerned about the impact of the proposed excavation works on adjacent buildings, in terms of both the likely vibration and the risk to structural stability.
(4) Of particular concern is no.1 South Street, (known as the Bag of Books), which is Grade II listed.
SDNP/24/02356/FUL: Liquid Studio, St Andrews lane: Conversion and extension of existing detached office building for use as a single family dwelling including construction of boundary treatments.
The Friends of Lewes are currently unable to support this application, due to the following concerns:-
(1) Whilst the retention of the existing office building is to be welcomed, the Society is not convinced that the metal structure would be capable of conversion and adaptation due to its current condition.
(2) The Society considers that the proposed design could make an interesting ‘stand alone’ scheme, but is not convinced that it would be appropriate within the Conservation Area and being located so close to a number of Grade II Listed buildings.
(3) The Society is concerned about the successful retention of a number of mature trees along the northern boundary of the site that are likely to have to be cut back during the construction process.
(4) The Society is particularly concerned about the need to successfully protect the mature lime tree on the St Andrews Lane street frontage, which is currently subject to a TPO.
(5) Given its high profile location, The Society would like the opportunity to assess the detail of the proposed elevations with the benefit of larger scale drawings.
(6) The Society is also concerned about the appropriateness of the external materials proposed within the Conservation Area, and in particular the choice of a copper standing seam roof.
(6) The Society also considers that it would be beneficial if the entrance to the proposed dwelling could be clearly visible from the St Andrews street frontage.
The Committee examined the following applications and had no observations to make:
SDNP/24/02448/FUL & 02449/LIS: 1 Market Street:
Replacement of existing timber casement and sash windows with like-for-like timber units.
SDNP/24/02560/TEL: 223-224 High Street:
Installation of fixed line broadband electronic communications apparatus under Regulation 5, detailed as 60 meters cable on wall.
SDNP/24/02443/HOUS: 27 Hamsey Crescent:
Single storey rear extension to create an open plan kitchen and dining space, conversion of remaining garage storeroom, installation of Air Source Heat Pump and raised terrace deck.
SDNP/24/02433/FUL: Flat 2, 34 King Henry’s Road:
Replacement windows, one with patio door, new railings and ladder rungs to two basement lightwells and two new extract outlets.
SDNP/24/02400/LIS: 140 High Street:
Replacement of 2 no. french door sets with associated side panels and top lights to rear extension.
SDNP/24/02397/HOUS: 16 St John’s Terrace:
Replace existing single storey outrigger and conservatory with single storey extension, rear roof pitched dormer and add two conservation type windows to front roof slope and fenestration alterations.
SDNP/24/02352/HOUS: 13 Garden Street:
Replacement of all timber windows to front of property.
SDNP/24/02264/HOUS: The Red House, Rotten Row:
Part Section 73A retrospective application for replacement of rear fenestration, and application for replacement of side and rear doors and addition of 1no.window to rear.
SDNP/24/02277/HOUS: 4 Wellhouse Place:
Erection of rear dormer, alterations to rear fenestration and relocation of rear access steps.
SDNP/24/02195: 16 Cluny Street:
Erection of rear conservatory.
SDNP/24/02144/FUL: 6 Mount Street:
Replacement of 5no windows to front, side and rear elevations.
SDNP/24/02132/LIS: 187 High Street:
Refurbishment and replacement works to basements and ground floor levels of property.
Guided walking tour of one of England’s largest and most successful monasteries
Saturday 28 September
Over 450 years, between c.1080 and 1538, Lewes Priory became the richest religious house in Sussex and the most important of the English Cluniac foundations – in architecture, influence, art and learning. This tour brings to life the splendour and colour of the Priory as we walk through the remains of its massive buildings – plus the rare opportunity to see inside the Gundrada Chapel at Southover Church.
Assemble at 2.30pm prompt: Trinity Church, Southover, Southover High Street, Lewes BN7 1JH.
Tour duration: Approx 2 hours. Sturdy walking shoes advised. Wheelchair access on paved slopes. No public toilets. Bring umbrella if wet. Dogs on leads.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL £10 (£8 for members of Lewes Priory Trust) Sorry, no refunds, all income to Lewes Priory Trust.
Buy in person or by phone with credit/ debit card:
Lewes Tourist Information Centre 187 High Street, Lewes, BN7 2DE 6 High Street, Lewes, BN7 2AD – (Temporary Location)
Friends of Lewes 