Category: Lewes

Travelog Lewes – Latest newsletter

THE £2 BUS FARE

You will probably have heard about the new Prime Minister’s promise of a £2 maximum bus fare from the beginning of 2026. Good news, but not useful if there are no buses. The last Conservative government surprisingly invested a lot in bus fares and more buses. A lot of these buses were funded by central government money. No announcement has been made about these routes, many of which are in the countryside. If we are going to cut down car use in rural roads and towns like Lewes, we need to keep and publicise those routes.

It looks as though transport is going to be the responsibility of the new all Sussex authority, which will be governed by a mayor. This new authority may have devolved powers and a devolved budget for transport which would replace any government money.

USING TRAINS FOR LONGER JOURNEYS

With the school holidays upon us, you may want to make longer rail journeys. So here are some links to useful Travel Log Lewes web pages.

Getting the cheapest rail ticket

Where and how to buy your ticket

Taking your bike on the train

Travelling by train to mainland Europe
 

A NEW PUBLIC FOOTPATH IN LEWES?

Despite strenuous objections from Lidl, which hopes to open a supermarket on the site, East Sussex County Council has decided to make an order to add a new public footpath to the rights of way map.

The path is near the Culfail roundabout, between the former Caffyns site and the 1950s building opposite the roundabout once occupied by the parking shop. The path goes from Malling Street towards Brooks Road. The council will now make an order and it will be possible to make objections, or to say how you have used the path, if you did. Notices will be published in local press.

There will almost certainly be objections by Lidl. This will mean that the issue must be referred to the Planning Inspectorate, which will make a final decision
 

SAIL LINK

Sail Link is continuing to provide a wind powered ferry from Dover to Boulogne

But, as an experiment, they will be operating a new route in September as well. It goes from Shoreham to Fecamp. Tickets go on sale at the beginning of August and are likely to be snapped up.

BRIGHTON BIKE HUB TRAINING

The hub is offering training for novice cycling in August and September in Brighton. Book here

SOME LONG DISTANCE WALKS FOR THE SUMMER OR AUTUMN

Whilst the South Downs way is our nearest long distance path, parts of it can be very boring on foot. Here are some longer distance paths you might enjoy.

The Serpent Way

A 65 mile trail, mainly in West Sussex, traversing woods, heathland and commons. Beautiful scenery and lots of shade, which will be welcome in the current weather. Created by the South Downs National Park Authority and well waymarked. Can be done as one day trips using public transport (although on some days you may spend more time on the train or bus than walking)

The High Weald Landscape Trail

A wonderful 90 mile trip across the Weald starting at Horsham Railway station, traversing all kinds of different countryside between here and London, passing through Bolney, East Grinstead, through the Kentish Hop Country, Tenterden and ending at Rye. Also doable by public transport as day trips, at a pinch, from Lewes.

Plan rail, bus or mixed journeys at https://www.traveline.info/  which will give you a route from your home to your destination.
 

VISITING LOCAL ATTRACTIONS BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT

For opportunities for days out without the care see here

Services may not run every day and attractions may not be open every day. Check before travelling. Plan rail, bus or mixed journeys at https://www.traveline.info/  which will give you a route from your home to your destination.

THIS MONTH’S WALKS

Ashdown Forest

Ashdown Forest is one of the great heath lands of Southern Britain. It sits on the highest ridge top of the High Weald and is the largest free public access space in the South East.  Sadly it is infested with cars.  But this walk lets you explore the Forest using frequent buses. 10km, 6 miles.

Rotherfield Ramble

An exploration of the delightful High Weald south of Tunbridge Wells  featuring woodland, streams and the hill village of Rotherfield, using the 29 bus from Lewes  7.5 miles

Telscombe Trail from Southease

A circular downland and riverside walk to  Telscombe  with a visit to the villages of Southease and Rodmell 6.7miles 10.7km

THIS MONTH’S BIT OF HISTORY

Folkington Follies

Being an exploration of the replacement of the land owning class by factory owners, patriarchy, wild parties in improbable place and Elizabeth David.

FLEXIBUS

This is a flexible shared service that can take you to or from places not served by ordInary bus services which are up to 9 miles from your start point. You are now be able to book from a web browser at https://flexibus.eastsussex.gov.uk/. You are also able to book by phone on 01273 078203  (10-3 Monday to  Friday, not Bank Holidays) There is now a new smartphone app which you can get from app stores. It is  called Flexibus. The old one (Ride Pingo) will not work for new bookings.


PUBLICISE TRAVEL LOG LEWES

Travelman would really appreciate it if you are able to help spread the word about Travel Log Lewes. You could do this by:

1) copying this newsletter to your friends.

2) Displaying a poster in your window. There is a link to some suitable posters here.

3) Placing an article in the newsletter of any group or organisation to which you belong.

Email travelman@travelloglewes.co.uk and I can send you something tailored to your group.

Statement regarding Shelleys Hotel

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.

Download Shelleys Hotel statement

Lewes Societies Fair – 5th September 2026

Organised and funded by the Friends of Lewes

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.

Friends of Lewes – policy on development in the floodplain

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.  

Read the policy here ….. 

FOL Flood Policy Final _a_17 June 2026 convDownload

Do you have a favourite tree in Lewes? 

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.

Email your photograph with a note of “what makes it special for you” to arboretumlewes@gmail.com

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.”  

We look forward to hearing from you!

Friends of Lewes Planning Committee Report – 3rd June 2026

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/FUL4-6 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.

Membership

Grant update – Restoration of St. Anne’s Churchyard North Flint Wall – Western Road, Lewes

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.

St Anne’s Church Lewes

E.S.C.C – Lewes Parking Review 3 – Informal consultation

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.

Plans showing the proposals are available to view on the consultation hub. Please take the time to look at these and tell them your views. You can do this by completing the online consultation at the following link: https://consultation.eastsussex.gov.uk/economy-transport-environment/lewes-3-informal/

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.

Summer Fridays at Fitzroy House

Fitzroy House will be open every Friday during July and September (t.b.c) 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.

Fitzroy House, Lewes, image from C Wycherley
Fitzroy House interior

Fitzroy House, Lewes, image from C. Wycherley

Location: 10 High Street, Lewes, BN7 2AD

Public meeting on Local Government Reorganisation

Reorganisation proposals confirmed – Government Minister invited

Residents are being invited to join the Leader of Lewes District Council at a public meeting on Friday 29 May, 6pm–7pm at the Meridian Centre, Peacehaven to discuss the government’s latest consultation on local government reorganisation.

The consultation could lead to Falmer, East Saltdean, Telscombe and Peacehaven being moved out of Lewes district and into Brighton & Hove.

Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council, said:

“This meeting will give residents another chance to voice their concerns and send a very clear message to the government.

“We have invited Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for Local Government, to attend and explain why the government is not listening to our residents. Let’s not forget, we are still waiting to see the results of the government’s first consultation from many months ago.”

The meeting will give residents the opportunity to hear the latest information, ask questions, and share their views.

Councillor Nicholson added:

”I encourage as many people as possible to join me on 29 May at the Meridian Centre.

“If this proposal goes ahead, our residents will lose their local identity, their local voice and their agency to influence their future.

“It is vital that people make their views heard and I hope the minister will join us to hear them.”

For more information and a link to the consultation, visit lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/LGR