Wildlife of a Sussex Garden during Lockdown – Friends of Lewes talk, Wednesday 7 April 2021, 7:20 for 7.30pm

A Zoom talk, followed by Friends of Lewes AGM

Michael Blencowe: Life in Lockdown – The Wildlife of a Sussex Garden

During the pandemic a lot of people became more aware of the wildlife that was right on their doorstep.

Michael Blencowe of Sussex Wildlife Trust will talk about the species he discovered when he explored his own suburban back garden, and tells us what you can do to encourage more wildlife into your garden.

Peacock Butterfly

The talk will be free, and all are welcome.

Please click here to Register in advance for this talk

After registering, you will receive an automated confirmation email containing your personal link for joining the meeting.

Please click on that link to attend the talk 10 minutes before it starts.

The Friends of Lewes AGM will follow the talk. The AGM is for Members only.

We would recommend a computer screen or an iPad as a minimum screen-size for viewing our webinars.

Our presenters will be speaking live, and you can ask questions by typing in the Chat box in Zoom.

See the Diary page for a list of forthcoming events organised by the Friends of Lewes

Friends of Lewes funds nest boxes for Swifts

Friends of Lewes frequently collaborates with other Lewes-based community groups to improve our environment and increase biodiversity. We were pleased to have the opportunity recently to part-fund a project to provide more nest box accommodation for Swifts, organised by Lewes Swift Supporters. In February, six new nest boxes were installed in De Montfort Road, in addition to the ten boxes installed in Western Road in October 2020.

Lewes Swift Supporters have sent their thanks to Friends of Lewes for this generous funding and given us some information about their project.

“This area at the top of the town is a “hot spot” for Swifts since 32 of the 64 nests recorded in 2020 were found there.

Since the Roman era, Common Swifts have made nests in eaves, nooks or crannies of British buildings. The design of modern buildings and renovation of older buildings mean that many of these nest sites have disappeared. As a result, the number of Swifts has declined by 50% since 2000. By providing nest box accommodation, we aim to increase Swift numbers towards their previous levels.”

You can find out more about the Swifts in Lewes and how to support them, by contacting lewesswifts@gmail.com

Swifts nest box installed under the eaves

Friends of Lewes Planning Committee Report 4 February 2021

Representations made on planning applications following the Executive Committee on 24 February 2021:

SDNP/20/05799/FUL: The demolition of the Former Pells Church of England Primary School and the erection of 32 affordable residential units (Use Class C3), associated landscaping, car parking, cycle parking and all other associated works. Pells Church of England Primary School Landport Road.
Friends of Lewes support the provision of much needed new affordable and rented housing on a previously developed site. However, it objects to this very prosaic layout, which does not reflect current environmental thinking or the SDNPA requirement that the design of all new development should be landscape-led.

Landport is a largely self-contained community, designed at a time when few people owned cars and those people who did not walk or cycle into Lewes made use of the frequent busses. There is a single vehicular access to the estate which is located at the top of the site from the A2029 Offham Road. There is also a pedestrian route into the town centre at the western edge of the site via Cabbage Walk to The Pells.

The current reality is that most households on Landport own several vehicles leading to congestion, pollution, parking problems and traffic nuisance. The application claims that the needs of pedestrians and cyclists have been carefully considered but there is little evidence to support this. Cyclists in particular are disadvantaged by the steep climb to the Offham Road and the challenging journey into town via the busy A2029 main road, which has no cycle lanes. The proposed development is car-led and will inevitably add to congestion and pollution problems within the town. Children and those less able will be put at risk within the development, given the general scattering of parking provision and multiple points where vehicles have to cross pavements.

Turning to the design, the dull layout could have been designed at any time in the last fifty years. It might just be acceptable if the houses were well designed and detailed but sadly, they are not. The flats are poorly planned as demonstrated by the long entrance corridors past bedrooms to get to the living room. Most of the habitable rooms face north-west, so will not benefit from sun until late afternoon. The relationship between the blocks of flats and the bleak areas between them is dispiritingly familiar from a previous era of estate planning. It is manifestly not landscape led.

With respect to the proposed split of development, the Society has seen no evidence submitted with the application that supports the basis of the proposed split of affordable rent and shared ownership. The Society considers that provision should be made for Lewes Low Cost Housing in accordance with policy PL1A of the adopted Lewes Neighbourhood Development Plan.

Friends of Lewes therefore object to the proposed development and considers a new scheme should be submitted that is landscape led and meets the needs of the less able, pedestrians and cyclists as well as motor vehicles. Lewes deserves an exemplary scheme where social engagement can take place naturally on the streets, where children can move around safely and pedestrian and cycle links to the town are delivered as part of the development. The houses should be simple and well-designed utilising good durable materials and meet the needs set out in the adopted Lewes Neighbourhood Development Plan. The spaces between them, the public realm, needs skilled design input. The combination of hard and soft surfaces, planting, and meaningful social spaces with seats will determine the quality of the whole development and should aim to make this a place where people will choose to live.

Representations made on planning applications following the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 4 February 2021:

SDNP/20/05220/HOUS: Loft conversion including the insertion of rear dormer. 26 Lee Road.
Friends of Lewes object to the roof dormer which is too large and should be designed in accordance with the The Design of Dormer Windows Planning Advice Note published by the Friends of Lewes. It is suggested that the dormer could be reduced in width by providing an alternative rooflight over the stair.

SDNP/20/05248/HOUS: Conversion of garage into library space with addition of glazing and rooflights, and loft conversion including rooflights and 2 rear dormers. 5 Cranedown.
Friends of Lewes have no objection to the proposed garage conversion. It comments that the roooflights proposed for the western elevation are of different size and suggest a uniform size would be better visually. The Society objects to the two rear dormers because they are oversized and no details have been provided regarding their constriction or materials. Dormers should be designed in accordance with The Design of Dormer Windows Planning Advice Note published by the Friends of Lewes.

SDNP/20/05346/HOUS: Erection of a two storey rear extension. 25 Houndean Rise.
Friends of Lewes commend the use of permeable materials in the hardstanding.

SDNP/20/05360/HOUS: Erection of single storey extensions to the side and on top of existing rear extension and enlargement of existing second floor dormer to the rear. 21 St Johns Terrace.
Friends of Lewes object to the oversize roof dormer which is too large. Other roof dormers in this terrace are much smaller and the excessive width proposed would set a precedent. The roof dormer should be designed in accordance with The Design of Dormer Windows Planning Advice Note published by the Friends of Lewes.

SDNP/20/05691/HOUS: Erection of side and rear extensions, and conversion of loft including insertion of rear dormer. 21 Prince Charles Road.
The Friends of Lewes has no objection to the side and rear extensions. However, it objects to the roof dormer which is too large and should be designed in accordance with The Design of Dormer Windows Planning Advice Note published by the Friends of Lewes.

SDNP/20/05800/FUL: Demolition of existing outbuildings and erection of detached dwelling within curtilage of existing dwelling. 2 Highdown Road.
Friends of Lewes consider the proposed development to be of an interesting design but it is in the wrong place, too small and not wide enough. The Society objects to the proposal as it represents overdevelopment of the existing site and the size and character of the development proposed does not reflect the context and type of landscape in which the development is located, contrary to Strategic Policy SD4 of the South Downs Local Plan.

SDNP/20/05757/FUL: Erection of a replacement rear single storey extension, internal modifications and restoration, and external works. 32 Friars Walk (Friends Meeting House).
Friends of Lewes comment that it has found it very difficult to understand the scope of the development proposed from the application documents. The application would benefit from a Design and Access Statement and a cross sectional drawing across the site.

SDNP/21/00549/LIS: Proposed timber windows to ground floor rear and side elevations. 107 Malling Street.
Friends of Lewes object to the application which has no documents associated with it. The application fails to meet the SDNPA validation requirements.

SDNP/20/05804/HOUS: Conversion of the loft, including insertion of rear dormer, two-storey extension to the side and single storey extension to rear, including conversion of existing garage to habitable space. 42 East Way.
Friends of Lewes object to the roof dormer which is too large, extends to the ridge and should be designed in accordance with The Design of Dormer Windows Planning Advice Note published by the Friends of Lewes.

SDNP/20/04043/LIS: Removal of existing summerhouse and erection of replacement summerhouse (householder consent under SDNP/20/04042/HOUS) The Castle Lodge Castle Precinct.
Friends of Lewes have no objection in principle to the development but comments that the roofing material should be lead, in keeping with surrounding buildings. The cedar timber should be allowed to weather naturally, not treated.

SDNP/20/05565/TCA: T1 – Lawson Cypress – fell to a 1.2 metre stump T2 – Sycamore stem – fell and treat to prevent regrowth. 33 De Montfort Road.
Friends of Lewes suggests it would be appropriate to consider planting a small replacement tree which is more suitable for a garden, e.g., Amelanchier.

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

SDNP/20/05500/HOUS	33 Crisp Road. Single storey rear extension, new front porch and part conversion of outbuilding.
SDNP/20/05225/HOUS	1 The Villas, 56 Grange Road. Gate, railings and rose-arch.
SDNP/20/05573/FUL	Land south of 61A North Way. New build house
SDNP/20/05615/LIS	The Maltings, Castle Precincts. Downpipe.
SDNP/20/05740/HOUS	18 Dale Road. Single storey rear extension.
SDNP/21/00070/HOUS & 00071/LIS	8-9 Chapel Hill. Single storey rear extension.
SDNP/20/05669/HOUS	2 Dorset Road. Rear extension and internal alterations.
SDNP/21/00114/LIS	25 Abinger Place. Renew timber joists and damp proof basement.

Friends of Lewes Members’ Coffee Time Talk on Zoom, Tuesday 16 March 2021, 10:25am

A Zoom talk for Members

10:35am – Lesley Healey, of Wildflower Lewes: Wildflowers and biodiversity – making a difference

Lesley’s talk will focus on the need for wildflowers – their place in the ecosystem and food chain, what Wildflower Lewes has done so far to help them to regenerate across Lewes, and how anybody can support local biodiversity by increasing the nurturing of wildflowers.

11.15am – John Wilton – Postcards sent to and from France during the First World War

John is retired school master who has over the years been dedicated to helping charities raise money to support local causes both in Sussex and in countries around the world. However his hobby in his spare time is collecting old postcards and had written several books on the subject.

These talks are for members of the Friends of Lewes. If you would like to join FoL, and attend our talks, please find details on our Membership page. We send Zoom links to our members a few days before each talk, so please join in time! You can contact our Membership Secretary via email.

“Spring into Renaturing” webinar series

On February 7th and 14th 2021, Lewes Climate Hub and Seaford Environmental Alliance held their very first webinar events. The “Spring into Renaturing” series of short talks is now available on the Lewes Climate Hub website if you missed them: lewesclimatehub.org/renaturing

The talks include lots of ideas about simple things you could do to improve biodiversity – whether you have a window box, balcony, a garden, an allotment, a park or rolling hillsides!

Lewes History Group talk: Romano-British Settlements in the Lower Ouse Valley – Monday 8 March 2021, 7:20 for 7:30pm start

A Zoom Webinar

David Rudling: Romano-British Settlements in the Lower Ouse Valley

The Ouse valley in East Sussex is a key communication route from the Channel coast, via the Downs to the wide expanse of the Weald. It traverses and encompasses landscapes and archaeological sites of both local and regional importance – all connected by the river Ouse and its valley.

Dr David Rudling’s talk will review the archaeological fieldwork that has been undertaken in the valley to investigate and record Romano-British settlements and land-use. He will look at the emergence and fates of sites such as the native settlement at Bishopstone, the villas at Newhaven, Beddingham, Barcombe and Plumpton, and the nucleated settlement near Barcombe Mills. He will also consider the main Roman roads in the valley and the iron working sites north of Barcombe Mills.

Dr Rudling is one of the best known archaeologists currently working in Sussex, and a specialist in Romano-British settlement. He has led many Sussex excavations, including most recently, the Roman villa site at Plumpton. Formerly Senior Lecturer in Archaeology at University of Sussex, he is now the Academic Director of the Sussex School of Archaeology based at Selmeston. He is a co-editor of ‘The Archaeology of the Ouse Valley, Sussex, to AD 1500’.

Barcombe AD 250, © Andy Gammon

To join this talk, you need to
1) register your intention in advance
2) receive our confirmation email with a link to the talk
3) click on that link to attend the talk 10 minutes before it starts

LHG Members can attend our talks for free. We will send members emails with a link to Zoom registration. Then please follow steps 1, 2, and 3 as above.

Non-members can buy a ticket (£4) from TicketSource. The ticket will provide a link to Zoom registration. Then please follow steps 1, 2, and 3 as above.

Please join the webinar at 7:20pm.

We would recommend a computer screen or an iPad as a minimum screen-size for viewing our webinars.

Our presenters will be speaking live, and you can ask questions by typing in the Q&A box in Zoom.

See the Talks page for a list of forthcoming monthly events organised by the Lewes History Group.

Friends of Lewes plants wildlife hedge at Jubilee Gardens

At the beginning of February 2021, members of Friends of Lewes Trees Committee helped to plant a new wildlife hedge alongside the fence at Jubilee Gardens Open Space, off Juggs Road, Lewes. The 200 whips used are all native trees and include Field Maple, Hornbeam, Spindle, Blackthorn, Downy Birch, Silver Birch, Pedunculate Oak, Hawthorn, Dog Rose and Hazel.

The trees were funded through a “Beelines” grant from South Downs National Park Trust as part of their campaign to create new wildlife corridors to link habitats and make it easier for pollinators to flourish. The project was another successful collaboration between Lewes Urban Arboretum and Lewes District Council and we are grateful for the support of Chris Bibb, LDC Specialist Adviser, and Jan Knowlson, SDNP Ranger. Thanks also to Matthew Stuart of Bonny’s Wood, for delivering the mulch for the hedge.

The hedge-planting is one of several activities that have been planned towards meeting two of the Friends of Lewes “Climate Action” goals for 2020 and beyond: increasing our tree canopy cover; and improving our environment, increasing biodiversity and mitigating the risks resulting from climate change by collaborating with other Lewes-based groups with such aims. Find out more about our goals

Hedge planting at Jubilee Gardens, Lewes [Map]

Friends of Lewes Planning Committee Report 7 January 2021

Representations made on planning applications following the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 7 January 2021:

SDNP/20/04725/FUL: Change of use of the club house (D2) together with the formation of additional floors with raised roof to form two dwellings (C3) and associated works. Lewes Working Mens Club Malling Street.
Friends of Lewes object to the proposed development. The design of the raised roof is out of scale and insensitive in relation to the existing building. Contrary to what is stated on the application form the Society has been unable to find details of the materials proposed for the walls and roof. The Society also notes that the development lies within Flood Zone 3 and the flood risk assessment required has not been provided. The Society considers the application fails to meet the requirements of the SDNPA Local Validation List.

SDNP/20/05012/HOUS: Installation of PV panels behind parapet wall of cottage, to barn roof and to flat roof of modern rear of property. Yew Tree Cottage 62 Southover High Street.
Friends of Lewes have supported and commended the high quality renovation of Yew Tree Cottage. The Society has no objection to the PV panels at the rear of the property on the modern extension. However, it objects to the panels on the barn roof elevation that faces Southover High Street. The panels will be clearly visible from the street and contrary to principles of the adopted Lewes Conservation Area Management Plan which looks for all works to be conceived with specific regard to the character and appearance of the conservation area. Works should echo and reinforce those characteristics of the buildings, townscape and public realm of Lewes which make a positive contribution to the town and its local distinctiveness. PV panels in this location clearly do not and considering the work done in repairing the roof and retiling it, it would be unfortunate to now hide it under panels and in so doing, negate the contribution that this building gives to the streetscape. The Society is also not convinced that the PV panels behind the front parapet wall of the main roof of the listed building will not be visible from the street, particularly from the raised pavement opposite. It is concerned that the panels and their associated infrastructure will also be visible when looking at the east elevation of the property from the street, because the parapet does not extend around the side of the property. The proposed development is therefore considered to be contrary to Development Management Policy SD13: Listed Buildings, and Development Management Policy SD15: Conservation Areas of the South Downs Local Plan.

SDNP/20/05325/HOUS: Application of insulating render to upper half east elevation to the roofline. 3 Spital Road.
Whilst recognising the challenges in finding a practical solution to the water penetration of this building Friends of Lewes comment that it is disappointed that the flint elevation to the property will be lost.

SDNP/20/05338/FUL: Replacement windows with slimline double glazed double hung sash windows, removal/replacement of broken tiles and reinstallation of mathematical tiling to the front facade, downpipe, render and leadwork. 2 Mount Pleasant.
Friends of Lewes are disappointed that the applicant, Lewes District Council, appears to have commenced and completed work before planning consent is granted. As the local authority responsible for planning control in Lewes such action sets a very poor example to the public. The Society has no objection to the replacement windows provided they are wooden. Details of the materials were not given in the application.

SDNP/20/05392/HOUS: Erection of single storey side and rear extension and loft conversion with side and rear dormer windows. 15 Cross Way.
Friends of Lewes do not object to the ground floor extension. However, the Society objects to the oversize loft conversion. The dormer is too large and the extension to the hipped roof unbalances the whole building to the detriment of the wider street scene. The development is contrary to the Friends of Lewes ‘The Design of Dormer Windows’ Planning Advice Note.

SDNP/20/05417/HOUS: Proposed single storey rear extension with timber decking; part first floor front extension over existing flat roof; loft conversion including hips to gable roof extension and nominal raising of existing ridge height; alterations to front and rear existing elevations; relocation of vehicular access drive and closing up of existing drive. 6 Southdown Avenue.
Friends of Lewes comment that the changes to the roof will materially diminish the style of the existing property particularly the detailing to the front elevation.

SDNP/20/05577/HOUS: Proposed loft conversion and single storey rear extension. 85 Spences Lane.
Friends of Lewes object to the excessive size of the dormer which is too high and wide, contrary to the Friends of Lewes ‘The Design of Dormer Windows’ Planning Advice Note.

SDNP/20/05616/HOUS: Loft conversion with side dormer. 13 Ferrers Road.
Friends of Lewes object to the excessive size of the dormer which is contrary to the Friends of Lewes ‘The Design of Dormer Windows’ Planning Advice Note. The box dormer is full width, at ridge level and extends to the frontage of the building, which distorts the symmetry of the house.

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

SDNP/20/05432/LIS	Malling House, Church Lane, South Malling. Replace sash unit on first floor window.
SDNP/20/05466/LIS	Southover Old House, Southover High Street. Internal insulation to school room extension.
SDNP/20/05491/HOUS	38 Valence Road. Replacement side infill extension.
SDNP/20/05500/HOUS	Single storey rear extension, new front porch and part conversion of outbuilding.
SDNP/20/005287/LIS	2 The Vaults, Fuller’s Passage. Concrete lintel and infilling of mortar gaps and fissures.
SDNP/20/04995/HOUS	7 St Michael’s Terrace. Rear extension with extended rear platform.
SDNP/20/05096/HOUS	32 Windover Crescent. Single storey rear and side extension.
SDNP/20/05103/LIS	10-11 Top Floor Flat, Priory Crescent. Internal alterations.
SDNP/20/05111/LIS	74-74 High Street. Strip out in basement and roof void for survey and instal new gas meter and stove.

Friends of Lewes Planning Committee Report 2 December 2020

Representations made on planning applications following the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 2 December 2020:

SDNP/20/04079/HOUS: Erection of a two storey side and rear extension, and widening of existing driveway. 38 Highdown Road.
Friends of Lewes object to the overlarge extension proposed for an already extended semi-detached house. The Society considers the proposals represent an over-development of the site which unbalances the pair of semi-detached houses and would be detrimental to the existing streetscape. The pitch of the false pitched roof proposed does not match that of the existing roof. The extension of the area of block paving is unwelcome and if not porous will increase surface water run-off.

SDNP/20/04716/HOUS: Construction of a detached double garage to replace existing timber summerhouse and shed. 6 Park Road.
Friends of Lewes comments that any alterations to the existing driveway should be in porous materials. The Society supports the Design and Conservation comments that better accessibility to the garage should not be justification for further development.

SDNP/20/05034/HOUS: Demolition of existing garage, outbuilding and rear extension and construction of new single storey rear extension, two storey side extension, loft conversion with hip to gable conversion and new rear dormer and proposed relocation of vehicle crossover. 1 East Way.
Friends of Lewes object to the excessive size of the proposed single dormer in a very visible location on a corner plot. The Society would not object to two smaller dormers instead. Black timber cladding is considered inappropriate and natural wood cladding would be preferred. The proposed new driveway should be in porous materials.

SDNP/20/05080/FUL: Relocation and extension of the existing rear roaster flue. 18 Cliffe High Street.
Friends of Lewes object to the flue being extended to ridge level which will be very visible. A lower flue would be supported that terminates 600mm above the second-floor windows.

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

SDNP/20/03917/HOUS	The Red House, Rotten Row. Replace windows.
SDNP/20/04449/HOUS	93 South Street. Extension above existing.
SDNP/20/04584/FUL & 05264/LIS	Suite 2, 23 High Street. Change use of ground floor to residential.
SDNP/20/04702/HOUS	12 Garden Street. Single storey rear extension and loft conversion with rear dormers and front rooflights.
SDNP/20/04781/LIS	23 Abinger Place. Roof repair, chimney cowl and window restoration.
SDNP/20/04793/HOUS	6 Montacute Road. Convert garage.
SDNP/20/04814/HOUS	9 Montacute Road. Refurbish garage and remodel roof.
SDNP/20/04830/LIS	2 Mount Pleasant. Window, downpipe and round floor render replacements, altering wall leadwork and timber boarding, insulation removal, replace internal lining and extend tiling.
SDNP/20/04865/LDP	37 Gundreda Road. Garden room extension to rear.
SDNP/20/04902/HOUS & 04903/LIS	9 Lancaster Street. Alterations to listed building.
SDNP/20/SDNP/20/05090/FUL	Greyfriars Court, Court Road. Replace facias and soffits.
SDNP/20/05134/LIS	107 Malling Street. Retain windows.
SDNP/20/ 04538/FUL	Suite 1, 16 Market Street. Change use to tattoo parlour.
SDNP/20/05103/LIS	10-11 Top Floor Flat, Priory Crescent. Internal alterations.
SDNP/20/05144/HOUS	2 Pellbrook Road. Single storey front and side extension.
SDNP/20/05147/HOUS	1 De Montfort Terrace. Rear and side single storey extension.
SDNP/20/05211/LIS	182 High Street. Extend Jury dais furniture in Crown Court 3.

Friends of Lewes Members’ Coffee Time Talk on Zoom, Tuesday 2 February 2021, 10:25am

A Zoom talk for Members

Tom Crossett: What can Covid numbers do for me?

Inspired by a distance learning course, “Pandemics, modelling and politics”, Tom Crossett organised a Covid Forum – an interactive place where people could exchange ideas about Covid and how to live with it. This led Tom to present information on the Covid pandemic as it affects us in Lewes, in simple numbers and graphics which he updates and displays on his gatepost on Grange Road, along with guides to Government regulations as they evolve.

He will discuss how these numbers can help us to interpret the changing rules, and will touch on vaccination, isolation, and the problems of dealing with uncertainty in medical and social science.

Covid figures for Lewes