A representative of the Friends of Lewes attended the SDNPA Planning committee meeting on the 16th July 2026 and read the following statement.
SDNPA Planning Committee Agenda item 12. Final.
The Friends of Lewes requests an update on the enforcement situation in respect of two prominent listed buildings in the Lewes conservation area.
The first, Shelleys Hotel, a grade II* elegant listed building, dates from 16th century, with 18th century decoration, 17th century panelling and 16th century wall-paintings, closed at the start of the Covid pandemic and has remained empty and unmaintained since. It has now been put on the SAVE ‘buildings at risk’ register.
The adjacent, 136 High Street, an early 19th century, red and brown brick gabled Grade II listed building, has been boarded up since before 2020.
The need for action on both these properties has been being raised with officers since April 2020.
We were told in December 2025 that a section 215 notice had been served in respect of Shelleys Hotel, as it appeared to the authority that the amenity of a part of the town was adversely affected by the condition of a building and land. We have been unable to obtain details of the notice, or the time for compliance, despite repeated requests.Because of the importance of the fabric of the hotel building, and the condition of 136 High Street, we expressed the hope that efforts would continue, through the warrant process, to gain legal access so that their condition could be assessed, and hopefully confirmation received that were watertight with all the historic features protected.
The condition of 136 High Street, the adjacent property, remains unacceptable with boarded up windows and doors. We sought a notice to address these matters. Recently, timber sheeting has been fixed to the top of the side gates to Shelleys Hotel, increasing their height to 3.5m, without the necessary planning permission or listed building consent. Both buildings continue to deteriorate to the detriment of the townscape in this part of the conservation area.
We can find no record on public access portals or the enforcement register of any action by the authority, although more than 6 months has elapsed since the 215 notice was apparently served.
Trees are undermining the foundations of the listed building. Urgent action is necessary. Without any answers to emails we are formally raising these concerns, as the situation undermines the role and effectiveness of the authority. The case featured on the front of Lewes News, the community newspaper distributed to every household in the town, because of the considerable public interest. The authority was asked to provide information but declined.
The continued apparent absence of action is considered entirely unacceptable, and is inconsistent with the very high level of scrutiny by officers of planning applications to alter, paint or repair listed buildings and non-listed buildings in the town.
Fitzroy House will be open every Friday during the summer from 10:00 to 13:00.
Friends of Lewes volunteers will be on hand with the ever-popular tea-towels as well as books and cards produced by Friends of Lewes. Come and say hello and find out what we do and take the opportunity to see inside this unique and historic grade II Victorian building.
The 19th Lewes Societies Fair returns to Lewes Town Hall on Saturday 5 September 2026, offering residents and visitors the chance to discover the wide range of clubs, societies and community organisations that make Lewes such a vibrant and welcoming town.
Whether you are looking to take up a new hobby, meet new people, learn a skill, volunteer, or become more involved in local life, the fair provides an excellent opportunity to explore the many groups and activities available in the area.
Visitors will be able to meet representatives from a diverse range of local societies, clubs and community groups, as well as visit an exhibition about the Battle of Lewes. Refreshments will be available throughout the morning.
Minutes of a meeting held on Wednesday 06th May 2026, at 8.00 p.m., at the Chapter House, Southover Church.
Present: Roger Maskew, (in the Chair), Luke Bray, John Gower, Andrew Winter, Julian Till and Carolyn Beckingham.
(1) Apologies for Absence:- Apologies for absence were received from Will Dorman, Charles Meloy and, Alex Durn.
(2) Minutes of Previous Meeting:- The minutes of the meeting held on 01st April 2026 were approved.
(3) AGM:- The Friends of Lewes AGM was held in the Town Hall on Wednesday the 22nd April 2026.
Key items discussed:-
(a) Juliet Oxborrow, from the Climate Hub, made a very interesting presentation in relation to five proposals for Lewes, in order to address the increasing flood risks to the town arising from climate change. Juliet also referred to a forthcoming report on flood risks, based on last year’s Exhibition and subsequent Day Conference, recognising the 25th Anniversary of the Lewes 2000 Floods.
(b) After a short break for refreshments, the business part of the AGM was carried out, which included the re-election of Ruth O’Keeffe as Chair, Roger Maskew as Vice Chair, and Diana Freestone as Secretary, and the election of John Harbor as the new treasurer, and Paul Yates as a new trustee, followed by an amendment to the time Trustees can be a Member of a committee.
(4) John Gower’s Presentation:- It had been intended to present John Gower’s revised “Policy of Development in the Floodplain” to this meeting, but this has now been postponed to the next meeting in June.
(5) Urban Design Group Conference:-
The Committee is reminded that The Urban Design Group Conference in Lewes will be on Friday the 05th June. Roger will be part of the opening presentation in the morning session to be held at the Depot. Two walking tours of Lewes are planned for the afternoon, and both Peter Earl and Will Dorman have agreed to be guides.
(6) Planning Decisions from 27/03/2026 to 29/04/2026, plus 3 additions to the 05/05/2026:-
The following SDNPA decisions are available online:
SDNP/26/00903/ADV & 00904/LIS: 57 High Street. Removal of as-built fascia and re-instating of original timber fascia and installation of new signage to shop timber fascia panel with trough light above. Refused.
SDNP/26/00876/FUL: 15 Spring Gardens. Enclosure of existing porches. Approved.
SDNP/26/00783/LIS: 9 Cliffe High Street. Retrospective replacement of shopfront sign (resubmission of SDNP/25/03083/LIS). Approved.
SDNP/26/00588/HOUS: 76 Winterbourne Close. Hip to Gable loft conversion with rear dormer and obscured window to side elevation. Approved.
SDNP/26/00520/HOUS: 3 Paddock Road. Erection of rear facing dormer, enlargement of existing front facing dormer, installation of metal gangway from first floor rear bedroom to garden and replacement windows and door to front elevation. Approved.
SDNP/25/04946/HOUS: 199 High Street. Demolition of lower ground floor rear extension and replacement with two storey rear extension, rear dormer window, detached single storey garden room at the rear, Changes to fenestration and various internal alterations: Amended description. Approved.
(7) New Planning Applications 27/03/2026 to 29/04/2026, plus 1 addition to the 05/05/2026:-
SDNP/26/00813/FUL & 01814/LIS: 137 High Street: Replacement of existing outbuilding with single story detached classroom and erection of additional detached single storey classroom with associated landscaping.
The Friends of Lewes are most concerned that the existing substantial flint wall at the rear of the property, facing Paddock Road, should be retained in its current condition, at its makes a valuable contribution to the streetscape at this location within the Lewes Conservation Area.
Although, the Society appreciates that although there is no specific reference to this wall being demolished in the planning application description, it is most unfortunate that in the series of Artist’s Impressions that are included in the planning application documents, (and in particular artist’s impressions 4 and 5), clearly suggest that this existing flint wall is to be rebuilt in red brick, which would be totally unacceptable.
In this context, the Society would strongly suggest that these Artist’s Impressions should not be in the list of approved drawings for this Planning Application.
The Committee examined the following applications and had no observations to make:
SDNP/26/01593/CND: The Brewery Shop, Bridge Wharf Brewery, 4-6 Cliffe High Street. Changes to condition 2 (Approved Plans) for SDNP/25/00929/FUL (for 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/26/01559/HOUS: 25 Spences Field. To build a bridging platform to provide a walkway from the middle floor of the house to the garden.
SDNP/26/01528/ADV: Bus Shelter, Phoenix Causeway. Replace existing 6 advertising panels to double sided 6 sheet with 1digital panel.
SDNP/26/01527/LIS: 45 Cliffe High Street. Timber repairs and redecoration to the shop front.
SDNP/26/01462/HOUS: 23 Western Road. Single storey rear extension, front solar panels, rear air-source heat pump and fenestration alterations.
SDNP/26/01465/HOUS: 31 Rufus Close. Loft conversion with rear roof dormer and front roof windows.
SDNP/26/01479/HOUS: 16A Landport Road. Erection of 2no single storey side extensions, loft conversion and dormer roof to rear.
SDNP/26/01415/LIS: 12 Little East Street. Replacement roof.
SDNP/26/01332/HOUS: 17 Stansfield Road. Proposed single storey extension at the side to replace existing outbuilding.
SDNP/26/01315/FUL: 59 High Street. Installation of defibrillator and bleed kit cabinets to external wall.
SDNP/26/01311/LDP: 13 Winterbourne Close. Single storey rear extension with skylight to replace conservatory.
SDNP/26/01281/FUL & 01282/LIS: Antioch House West, Rotten Row. Replacement of existing glass conservatory with glazed solid roof sunroom, and associated works.
SDNP/26/01290/ADV: Delanair Estate, Unit 2, Brooks Road. Installation of new signage to include main signage, welcome sign, 2 no information signs to front and totem panel adjacent to car park and 1no sign to side elevation.
SDNP/26/01284/FUL & 01285/LIS: 57 High Street. Removal of as-built fascia and re-instating of original timber fascia re-painted in white and various internal works including skimming and painting of walls, new flooring and lighting and replacement of sockets and switches.
SDNP/26/01257/LIS: Jireh Chapel, Malling Street. Internal and external repairs, reinstatement of internal WC, installation of Baptistry and temporary netting beneath the barrel vaulted ceiling.
SDNP/26/01244/HOUS: 4 Barn Road. Demolish existing rear outstand and conservatory. Build rear and front/side ground floor extensions.
SDNP/26/01212/FUL: Southover Parish Church Hall, St James Street. Render repairs and coating with paint finish, extractor fan installed for future WC.
SDNP/26/01701/HOUS: 6 Fitzroy Road. Loft conversion with rear dormer.
8) Flood Report:-
Despite a wetter than usual winter, thankfully there have been no serious flooding incidents in Lewes. However, climate change still poses a very real threat to our town especially due to rising sea levels and increased river flows.
A very sobering report, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/04/new-orleans sea-levels-relocation-climate-crisis, finds that large areas of New Orleans have reached the point of no return are no longer defendable against rising sea levels. Relocation of residents should start taking place now from large areas of the low-lying city.
Much of New Orleans is at or below sea level and sits behind high concrete walls, called Levees. Many of these would need rebuilding to much higher levels, but as the land behind them remains low, the flood risk increases as the water levels rise on the other side. In 2005 Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans breaking the Levees and drowning over 1400 people. Many of the lowest lying areas were not rebuilt as again the risk of future flooding was too great. This new report suggests that residents are relocated now before the next natural disaster hits the city.
(9) Any Other Business:-
John Gower said that the For Sale board outside Fitzroy House had been taken down. He had heard that a consortium was thinking of establishing it as an arts centre.
Julian Till asked if there was any news of Shelleys Hotel. There was nothing official, but an online video is said to show that the property had been broken into.
(10) Date of Next Meeting: – Wednesday, 03rd June 2026, at 8.00 pm, at the Chapter House.
Minutes of a meeting held on Wednesday 1st April 2026, at 8.00 p. m., at the Chapter House, Southover Church.
Present: Roger Maskew, (in the Chair), John Gower, Carolyn Beckingham, Peter Earl as an invited guest and Julian Till as an observer.
(1) Apologies for Absence:- Apologies for absence were received from Will Dorman, Charles Meloy, Luke Bray, Andrew Winter and Alex Durn.
(2) Minutes of Previous Meeting:- The minutes of the meeting held on 4th March 2026 were approved.
(3) Presentation by John Gower:-
John Gower presented his redraft of the “Policy on Development in the Floodplain”, which was discussed in some detail. However, given the number of absentees, it was decided to consider this item again at the next meeting of the Planning Committee on the 06th May 2026.
(4) Executive Committee Meeting on 25th March 2026 :-
Key items discussed:-
(a) John Harbor, our prospective new treasurer, was welcomed to the meeting and introductions were made.
(b) North Street Quarter purchase by LDC. It was agreed that the Friends of Lewes will not support the representations from CAAG and the town council in questioning the LDC rationale for the purchase of the site.
(c) The Urban Design Group Conference in Lewes on Friday the 05th June 2026. Roger recently met the organiser of the conference, and will make the opening presentation in the morning session to be held at the Depot, followed by other presentations during the morning. Two walking tours of Lewes are planned for the afternoon, and both Peter Earl and Will Dorman have agreed to be guides.
(d) Following approval by the Planning Committee, the revised “Policy of Development in the Floodplain”, will tabled at the next meeting of the Executive Committee on the 27th May 2026.
5) Planning Decisions from 28/02/2026 to 26/03/2026:-
The following SDNPA decisions are available online:
SDNP/25/01502/HOUS: 1 Barn Road: Section 73A retrospective construction of timber outbuilding and alteration to boundary fence to provide gated access. Refused.
SDNP/25/04572/FUL: Grange Court, Grange Road: Proposed removal of all existing timber windows and doors and replacement with new windows and doors made from timber to front and side elevations, and white uPVC to the rear elevation (Amended Plans)(Amended Description). Approved.
SDNP/25/03557/HOUS: 43 Morris Road: Installation of new dormer to rear roofslope. Approved.
SDNP/25/02158/ADV: 219 High Street: Replacement of 1no non-illuminated fascia to front. Approved.
SDNP/25/01441/LDE: 46 Spences Lane: Use of property as two separate flats since 2015. Approved.
SDNP/25/00928/FUL: 1-2 Cliffe High Street: Change of use of the ground floor of No’s 1 and 2 to a Sui Generis public house, replacement rear extension to No. 1, new dormer and single storey rear extension to No. 2, foundation stabilisation works to No’s 1 and 2 and repairs to river all. Approved.
SDNP/24/03586/FUL: Garage Compound, Prince Charles Road. Demolition of garages and erection of 4 x affordable dwellings to rent. Approved.
SDNP/24/03472/FUL: Garage Compound, Waldshut Road: Demolition of garages and construction of 1no affordable dwelling to rent. Approved.
(6) New Planning Applications from 28/02/2026 to 26/03/2026:-
SDNP/26/00809/FUL: 20-21 High Street: Partial change of ground floor from Class E to form 2no residential units:
The Friends of Lewes object to this proposal, as the Society considers it to be an overdevelopment of this existing town centre building, for the following reasons:-
(1) The proposed conversion to form two residential units is very contrived internally, and also relies on the conversion of a very small overgrown area at the rear of the existing building, to provide any external amenity space, which would appear to be unrealistic.
(2) Furthermore, the ‘section A’ drawing provided as part of the submission, clearly indicates that this proposed amenity space does not relate well to the ground floor level of the building to be converted to residential use.
(3) With reference to photographs provided in the ‘Design and Access Statement’, it is evident that there are already a large number wheelie bins to the rear of 20-21 High Street which are not screened from view. In this respect, there would appear to be no scope for adding further wheelie bins.
(4) Similarly, there would appear to be no scope for accommodating two additional cycle spaces without being an inconvenience to neighbours.
For these reasons, the Society would strongly recommend that this application should be refused.
SDNP/26/00904/LIS: 57 High Street: Removal of as-built fascia and re-instating of original timber fascia and installation of new signage to shop timber fascia with trough lighting above:
The Friends of Lewes object to this proposal for the following reasons:-
(1) Whilst the Society welcomes the re-instatement of an original timber fascia to this shopfront, the proposed use of cut letters from 10mm thick black foam board to be fixed to the fascia, is considered to be wholly unacceptable and out of character within the Lewes Conservation Area.
(2) External illumination of the entire shop front is also unacceptable within the Conservation Area.
(3) Furthermore, the proposed re- use of the trough light above the fascia would be contrary to the South Downs National Park’s Dark Sky’s Policy.
(4) The Society is also aware of some outstanding issues within the interior of the shop, in relation to how shelves have been fitted to the structure of this Listed Building, which also need to be urgently addressed.
For these reasons, the Society would strongly recommend that this application should be refused.
SDNF/26/00876/FUL: 15 Spring Gardens: Enclosure of existing porches:
The Friends of Lewes object to this planning application, as the Society is of the view that this proposal is very similar to the previous Planning Application, (SDNP/23/04649FUL), which was refused in March 2024. Furthermore, the proposed installation of black timber cladding on the front elevation would also not be considered acceptable, as it would introduce an additional material to the front elevation of this residential building, which would have an adverse visual impact within the Conservation Area.
SDNP/26/01190/HOUS: 9 Cleve Terrace: Loft conversion with rooflight to front:
The Friends of Lewes have no objection to the introduction of this proposed rooflight into the front elevation to this terraced house in the Conservation Area. However, the Society would like to advise the applicant that a single rooflight would provide insufficient light for the conversion of the existing loft space into a habitable room, such as an additional bedroom, and also suggests that further advice be sought from Building Control, before proceeding with this project.
SDNP/26/00437/HOUS: 15 Mount Harry Road: Erection of wooden fencing around the side and front gardens including too number gates:
The Friends of Lewes object to this planning application, as the Society considers that the proposed fence and gates would be too high at this location, at the corner of the junction of Mount Harry Road and Caburn Crescent. Furthermore, there seems to be inconsistencies in the proposed heights of both the “pedestrian gate” and “driveway gate pair” at 1830mm compared to the “Drawing 3 – fence panel with trellis topper” at 1525mm. In addition, the “Block/Site Plan” suggests that the new fence is 1.83m high. The Society would therefore like to suggest that the height of the proposed fence should be limited to 1.0m, possible supplemented with suitable planting along the garden side of the site boundary.
The Committee examined the following applications and had no observations to make:
SDNP/26/01197/FUL: 63 High Street. Conversion of existing building from Class E(c)(i) (Financial Services) to a self-contained three-bedroom dwelling (Class C3).
SDNP/26/01042/LIS: 4-6 the Bridge Wharf Brewery, Cliffe High Street. Installation of rooflights.
SDNP/26/01035/HOUS: 12 Mountfield Road. Erection of single-storey side extension and front porch extension
SDNP/26/01095/LDE: 24 Chapel Hill. Retaining of brick enclosure including monopitch roof.
SDNP/26/01041/LIS: 4-6 The Bridge Wharf Brewery, Cliffe High Street. Installation of Air Source Heat Pumps.
SDNP/26/01005/LIS: 144 High Street. Replacement of rotten windows to first and second floors of south and west elevations.
SDNP/26/00992/HOUS: 12 Nevill Crescent. Demolition of garage studio and erection of single storey side extension.
SDNP/26/01010/FUL: Telecommunications Mast 2 at County Hall, St Anne’s Crescent. Installation of a telecommunications base station comprising the addition of 6 no new antennas and 1 no new 300mm dish, together with ancillary development thereto on the rooftop of Lewes County Hall.
SDNP/26/00975/HOUS: 20 Evelyn Road. Replace conservatory with single storey rear extension.
SDNP/26/00811/HOUS: 6 St John’s Hill. Loft conversion including rear dormer and installation of 2no rooflights to front elevation.
SDNP/26/00632/HOUS: 27 Baxter Road. Construct retaining walls and a hard standing platform in the front garden to support the pressure of a mobility scooter.
SDNP/26/00510/FUL: 1B Prince Edward’s Road. Replacement of 7no windows and 4no doors, installation of 1no window to side of garage.
SDNP/26/00510/FUL: 49A Cliffe High Street. Installation of gas pipe to supply 2nd floor flat.
SDNP/26/00024/FUL: Installation of a new DDA compliant ramp to the West Entrance of Sackville House along with replacement of existing glazed screen and double doors with new entry syste
(7) Flood Report for April 2026: By John Gower.
The Friends of Lewes (FoL) Planning Committee is currently drafting a “Policy on Development in the Floodplain” for Lewes and surrounding areas. Once agreed, the policy will be brought to the Executive Committee for formal ratification. Last November, the Lewes Floods 25th Anniversary Public Meeting voted by a large majority to restrict building new houses in the floodplain, a view that FoL supports. This formal policy will help the FoL put forward our views and objections to any inappropriate development proposals.
There have been no reports of significant flooding in Lewes this winter, but in Kenya 66 people were killed in sudden flooding and Tenerife experienced its worst storms in decades with up to 700mm of rainfall experienced over 6 days.
In the UK, the National Emergency Briefing have produced a film of their November 2025 conference on the climate crises, which is being shown at the Depot on Thursday 9 April. The film and conference paint a very sobering picture of the future, with climate change impacts, including flooding, accelerating.
The Friends of Lewes AGM is on 22nd April 2026 in the Lewes Town Hall Council Chamber. The speaker is Juliet Oxborrow, a director at the Lewes Climate Hub, who will talk about the Lewes Floods 25th Floods Anniversary Conference and Public Meeting held last autumn.
Juliet is currently writing the formal report of the event which will be published in May following the local council elections.
And finally, some good news. The Pells Pool are planning some improvements works and it has been very encouraging to note that their proposed new plant room and office accommodation have been designed to be floating, so when the pool area floods the new building will float and rise up above the flood waters! This is a very sensible adaptation which should be mirrored for all future building in the Lewes and surrounding areas floodplains.
(8) Any Other Business:-
Carolyn Beckingham asked if there had been any further progress with Shelleys Hotel. A 216 notice, to gain access to the building, has recently been served by Lewes District Council, to which the owner has objected.
(9) Date of Next Meeting:-
Wednesday, 06th May 2026, at 8.00pm in the Chapter House.
In 2025 a grant of £2,000 was given by Friends of Lewes to the St.Anne’s Fund Raising Committee to help fund the restoration of the Grade II flint wall on the north side of St.Anne’s churchyard, which separates the churchyard from Western Road, Lewes.
The work was urgently required as flints were falling from the wall into Western Road which could have endangered passing traffic. It was important to protect access to Lewes and safeguard an important part of the heritage of the historic County Town.
FoL are pleased to report that the restoration is now complete.
Following the very successful Friends of Lewes 25th Floods Anniversary Exhibition, we received a considerable amount of feedback that Lewes residents didn’t want any more homes to be built in the floodplain. In response we have developed a policy position on development in the floodplain, which we have sent to the South Downs National park in response to their latest version of the SDNP Local Plan.
Minutes of a meeting held on Wednesday 03rd June 2026, at 8.00 pm at the Chapter House, Southover Church.
Present: Roger Maskew, (in the Chair), Luke Bray, Will Dorman, John Gower, Charles Meloy, Julian Till, Andrew Winter and Carolyn Beckingham.
(1) Apologies for Absence:-
An apology for absence was received from Alex Durn.
(2) Minutes of Previous Meeting:-
The minutes of the meeting held on 06th May were approved.
(4) Executive Committee:-
The scheduled meeting of the Executive Committee planned for Wednesday 27th June, was brought forward to Wednesday 20th June at the Climate Hub, due to the Mayor Making Reception on the 27th June.
Key items discussed:-
(a) National Park Local Plan Update: Discussion regarding the publication of a recent press article stating that 685 homes are to be built in Lewes, despite the lack of progress with the major sites still undeveloped, there are major concerns regarding building homes on the flood plain.
(b) It was agreed that following consideration by the Planning Committee of John’s revised Policy for “Development in the Floodplain”, that it would be ratified by the Executive Committee by email, in order to meet the National Park’s consultation deadline of the 23rd June.
(5) Urban Design Group Conference:-
The Committee was reminded that The Urban Design Group Conference in Lewes will be on Friday the 05th June. Roger will be part of the opening presentation in the morning session to be held at the Depot. Two walking tours of Lewes are planned for the afternoon, and both Will and Peter Earl have agreed to be guides.
(6) John Gower’s Presentation:-
The proposed policy on development in the floodplain was discussed, with broad strong agreement for the need and general principles. John Gower will make a minor change to the order of points on page 7, after which it will be sent to Roger Maskew for a final check before being sent to members of the Executive Committee for approval, before 23rd June, which is the deadline for submission of comments on the latest draft of the SDNP Local Plan review. We will include a copy of the policy in our response to the SDNP Local Plan.
7) Planning Decisions from 01/05/2026 to 01/06/2026:-
The following SDNPA decisions are available online:
SDNP/26/00124/FUL: 1 Albion Street. Replacement of 8no. windows to front and side elevations. Refused.
SDNP/26/00437/HOUS: 15 Mount Harry Road. Erection of wooden fencing around the side and front gardens including 2no gates. Refused.
SDNP/25/04982/HOUS: 18 The Meadows. Erection of two storey side extension and creation of 1 no. off-street parking space. Approved.
SDNP/26/01190/HOUS: 9 Cleve Terrace. Loft conversion with rooflight to front. Approved.
SDNP/26/00809/FUL: 20-21 High Street. Partial change of use of ground floor from Class E to form 2no. residential units. Approved.
(8) New Planning Applications from 01/05/2026 to 27/05/2026:-
SDNP/26/01729/PIP: Fuller’ Passage: Erection of up to 3 dwellings.
The Friends of Lewes object to this proposal, as the Society considers it to be an inappropriate form of development, which would result in the overdevelopment of this small town centre site.
In addition, the Society has the following specific concerns:-
(1) It is understood that there is both a land ownership and access issue in relation to Unit 1, both of which would have to be resolved legally, prior to any proposed development being approved.
(2) The juxtaposition of Unit 2 to the existing Vaults development is considered to be unacceptable.
(3) It would appear that the applicant has no control of the overall use of the site, as the use of a number of existing car parking spaces would be lost, which is also considered to be unacceptable.
SDNF/26/02010/LDP: 46 Fitzjohns Road: Conversion of existing attached garage into habitable accommodation to include replacement of existing flat roof with pitched roof:
The Friends of Lewes have no objection in principle to this proposal, but would like to suggest:-
(1) That the proposed side extension is set back slightly from the frontage of the existing house in order to accommodate the change of materials.
(2) That there is no hard standing at the front of the building, which could possibly exacerbate rain water run-off issues.
SDNF/25/01671/FUL: Eastgate Wharf: Demolition of existing buildings and construction of mixed-use development comprising 60 dwellings (Class C3), and 372 sqm ground floor commercial space (Class E), with associated flood defences, landscaping, parking, access alterations, and public realm. (Amended scheme).
The Friends of Lewes object to this proposal for the following reasons:-
(1) The proposed flood defences for this scheme are considered to be unacceptable, as the necessary works to protect the development from flooding would not be totally within the curtilage of the red line, denoting the extent of the proposed scheme.
(2) The area of land immediately fronting the River Ouse, close to Phoenix Causeway, is within the ownership of East Sussex County Council, as Highway Authority. But more significantly, the proposed flood defences, at the new required height, would not extend far enough south to connect with Cliffe Bridge.
(3) In this context, the Society appreciates that this part of the existing flood wall is within another ownership, and is not only in need of repair, but would also have to be increased in height to match the new flood walls, in order to provide sufficient flood protection and to ensure that any future flood water would be prevented from spilling into the proposed development site.
(4) The Society would therefore strongly recommend that this project should not be supported until a commitment to extending the proposed flood defences at the new required height, southwards to connect with Cliffe Bridge, has been agreed with the land owner.
The Committee examined the following applications and had no observations to make:
SDNP/26/01776/PA14A:
14 Barons Walk. Install 11 solar PV panels on flat roof.
SDNP/26/01806/ADV:
The Friars, High Street. Installation of a non-illuminated timber fascia sign with individual letters and a non-illuminated timber blade sign.
SDNP/26/01812/LIS & 01813/FUL
4-6 The Bridge Wharf Brewery, Cliffe High Street. Erection of timber side entrance porch canopy and installation of non-illuminated advertising sign to ground floor side elevation
SDNP/26/01816/HOUS:
21 New Road. Loft conversion and construction of 1no. rear facing dormer and 2no. front facing fooflights.
SDNP/26/01886/PA14OA:
Lewes Golf Club, Chapel Hill. Installation of a solar canopy for renewable energy generation.
SDNP/26/01922/NMA:
Old Malling Farm, Old Malling Way. Non Material Amendment to Condition 3 (Materials) of SDNP/23/04659/REM.
SDNP/26/01942/HOUS & 01943/LIS:
8-9 Chapel Hill. Alterations & refurbishment of existing workshop (resubmission of previous refusal ref: SDNP/25/03602/HOUS).
SDNP/26/01951/NMA:
Knowlands, St Martin’s Lane. Non-material amendments to planning approval SDNP/24/02594/HOUS including timber courtyard doors; removal of chimney stack to east gable; conservation rooflight over entrance to south elevation; 2no. metal chimney flues to north and south pitched roofs; alterations to ground and first floor balcony balustrades.
(9) Flood Report for March 2026: By John Gower.
John Gower has attended 2 online flood events this month. The first supported a PhD Student researching how to set up and maintain successful community flood action groups. 9 representatives of flooded communities took part and a report will be produced on the importance of various factors, such as experience of the group chair, support from local authorities/ water companies/ Environment Agency and communication methods. It was very interesting and heartening to be part of such important research.
The second event was a webinar on flood insurance, organised by the National Flood Forum. It was reported that more and more at-risk properties are being referred to the specialist Flood Re scheme, where the cost of insuring properties in the flood plain has increased by 43% over the last 2 years. It also emerged that insurance companies are compiling their own data bases of flood risk information, and that they do not always use the published data on gov.uk as the basis for deciding risk and pricing premiums.
The recent heatwave set record temperatures for May. The Guardian reported that with Climate Change hotter heatwaves and temperature extremes are expected to become the norm. Although we have seen no flooding from this heatwave, the principles of hotter air holding more moisture leading to more intense rainfalls is very worrying for the future and flood risks.
Research by Avia reports that one in nine new homes are being built in areas at risk of flooding today. It is predicted that 30% of homes built in 2024 will at risk of flooding by 2050, a very worrying thought indeed. This 4 minute video explains the situation and is well worth watching (apologies but there are a couple of adverts included).
(7) Any other business: None.
(8) Date of next meeting: – Wednesday 01st July 2026 at 8.00pm at the Chapter House.
The Trees Committee of Friends of Lewes have launched a “Special Trees” Project to celebrate the wonderful trees in our Arboretum Town.
It is a first step towards developing a Tree Charter for Lewes that acknowledges the Rights of Trees.
We are inviting people of all ages to send us a photograph of a tree that they think is special. It could be special to you because of its colour, shape, because it welcomes you home every day, or for any other reason!
The tree must be in a public space in the town of Lewes – so that we may invite other people to visit it.
We plan to display the photographs at Lewes Climate Hub, 32 High Street, during Heritage Open Days, 12th-13th September 2026, and publish them on our website and social media.
The photograph shows the Ginkgo biloba in Abinger Place – a favourite tree of Brian Courage, Town Ranger
He told us: “The more I look, the more favourite trees I start to see which is, I suppose, the reason for acknowledging they are all special and need to have their rights acknowledged. The first one that came to mind is the Ginkgo biloba on Abinger Place. The leaves are such a lovely shape and particularly beautiful in the autumn. It’s one of many trees in the town that helps to frame its location and would change the landscape in the area if it weren’t there. The plaque in front of it states that it is the site of the Manor pound, across the road from the Town stocks so it is clearly a historical site despite the tree being a relative newcomer. The Ginkgo biloba can live for 1000 years plus, and I wonder what it might witness in its future.”
East Sussex County Council are informally consulting on proposed changes to parking and waiting restrictions in Lewes District. They would like to invite your comments on these. The proposals follow requests for changes to existing parking controls or where local residents or businesses want new controls to be introduced.
Notification of the review is being delivered to addresses in the affected areas this week. The consultation opens on 12 June 2026 and closes on 3 July 2026. All comments need to be received by the closing date. The level of support will determine the outcome of the proposals. If there are a number of suggested alternatives, these will be considered for inclusion in the final proposals.
If the proposals go forward then the draft Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) will be written and advertised allowing 21 days for formal consultation, we expect this to take place in September to October 2026. If there are no objections the restrictions will be introduced and the draft TRO will be made permanent. If objections are received, they will need to consider these and present a report to the Planning Committee.
They will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact them by email to parking.escc@eastsussex.gov.uk or telephone 01323 466244.
