The Friends of Lewes Summer 2016 Newsletter is now available as a pdf [480 KB]
Previous Newsletters and Annual Reports
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Lewes History Group Meeting – Monday 12 September 2016, 7:00 for 7:30pm
Bob Cairns: So you think you know Lewes?
Designed to encourage audience participation, Bob Cairns will use images from his extensive collection of postcards and photographs to test your knowledge of old Lewes.
Some images will appear familiar but still require thinking about to pinpoint their locations, others will be more challenging and test even the best informed historian, whilst some may prove impossible to locate even though they are attributed to being Lewes.
Bob doesn’t have all the answers either so the evening could lead to some interesting discoveries by tapping into the memory of the audience.
A major part of the presentation will show material not previously published.
All are welcome from 7.00pm for free refreshments and updates on the Group’s activities. The talk will begin promptly at 7:30pm and will finish by 9.00pm.
There is an entry fee for these meetings, payable at the door, of £2 for members, and £3 for non-members.
Venue: The King’s Church building on Brooks Road, Lewes, BN7 2BY. (Between Tesco car park and Homebase)
See the Meetings page for a list of forthcoming monthly talks organised by the Lewes History Group.
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Lewes Street Stories Exhibition: 10-11 September 2016
A Lewes Heritage Open Days Event
The Lewes Street Stories project was set up by the Lewes History Group and teams in South Street and Grange Road, at opposite ends of the town, are the latest to exhibit their discoveries. Located in the Town Hall as part of the Heritage Open Days, the event runs 10 – 11 September 2016.
The exhibition will display archive documents and photographs that reveal more about the houses and their residents. The groups are keen to research who the early residents were, their jobs and businesses as well as family sizes and where children went to school.
South Street: Bliss postcard courtesy of Linda Weller. Grange Road: a Funnell’s Series postcard
South Street has a long history as it was one of the original medieval routes into the separate community of Cliffe. Heather Downie and her team have made a start by collecting maps, photos, census returns, newspaper cuttings and recording the memories of those who have South Street connections. Heather explains: “South Street was never a home for the gentry, but a working place, with timber yards, river wharfs, boat yards and chalk pits. There has been almost continual development of housing, often replacements for earlier buildings, right up to the present with the Grand Designs’ Rusty House finished in 2015.”
Grange Road was first developed in 1865 from land sold by two estates: the Acland Estate and the Southover Priory Estate. At that time it straddled both St Ann’s and Southover parishes.
The team leader, Bridget Millmore says, “We’ve uncovered stories of everyday and unusual events, including details of bonfire preparations, an accident involving an overturned grape lorry and evacuation by boat during the 1960s flood.”
The Streets Stories Exhibition is in the Yarrow Room, Lewes Town Hall:
Saturday 11am-3pm
Sunday 10am-3pm
Lewes Heritage Open Days are organised by the Friends of Lewes
There is a related exhibition on the history of Station Street on Sunday 11 September 2016 from 11am-4pm, at 23 Station Street, the birthplace of Dr Gideon Mantell.
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Lewes Priory by Candlelight – Saturday 17 September 2016, 6-10pm
This event postponed to 17 September 2016
A Lewes Priory Trust event
The ruins of Lewes Priory will be lit by thousands of candles on the evening of Saturday 10th September as darkness falls.
There will be entertainment throughout the evening with choirs, drummers, Morris Dancers, food stalls, WI tea tent and a bar.
Entry: £3 per head for five years and older. Friends and Family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) £10. Tickets available at the gate (limited to 1500 people).
Last admission 9pm.
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Lewes Heritage Open Days, 8-11 September 2016
Eighteen historic Lewes buildings will be opening their doors over this long weekend. Some are not normally accessible, and for others, their usual entry charge has been waived for this event.
There are a range of guided tours, and for some, advance booking is essential. An opportunity not to be missed.
Additional events on during this long weekend include Lewes Priory by Candlelight on Saturday 10 September 2016, Lewes churches’ Ride and Stride, Lewes Railway Station, and the Barbican House Library.
For full details consult the Heritage Open Days leaflet [397 KB], also available from the Tourist Information Centre, the Town Hall, Lewes Library, and other outlets. Alternatively, visit the Heritage Open Days website and search for events under ‘Lewes’.
Lewes Heritage Open Days are organised by the Friends of Lewes.
Click on image for venue details
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Friends of Lewes Planning Committee Report 4 August 2016, including representations made following the Executive Committee meeting of 24 August 2016
Representations made on planning applications following the meeting of the Executive Committee held on Wednesday 24th August 2016.
SDNP/16/03589/FUL: 68 – 74 Malling Street. Demolition of existing buildings and erection of seven residential units (class C3) and 1 office unit (class B1).
The Society in its representation of 8th August has already objected to this planning application. It would, however, like to add further reasons for this objection. These are that the development, and in particular its yellow façade, will detract from the views of Lewes from the hills to the east contrary to the first national park purpose, and that the development is too close to its neighbours in both Thomas Street and Southdown Place. In addition any traffic from the development should be routed through Davey’s Lane rather than directly on to Malling Street. The Society would be happy to discuss with the developer how the plans could be amended to accommodate its objections.
Representations made on planning applications following the meeting of the Planning Committee held on Thursday, 4th August 2016.
Weekly lists as at 12, 19 & 26 July & 2 August
Week as at 19 July
SDNP/16/03483/HOUS: 18 Garden Street. Enlargement of loft dormer window at rear.
Friends of Lewes object to the proposed dormer with Juliette balcony which is too large and will result in an overlarge box dormer on a small terrace house.
SDNP/16/03502/ADV: 1 Station Street. Replacement fascia sign and new projecting sign.
Friends of Lewes commend this application which demonstrates how the use of traditional materials and signwriting can maintain and enhance the Conservation Area.
Week as at 26 July
SDNP/16/03111/HOUS: 1 Friars Mews, Pinwell Road. Replacement timber door, windows, soffits and fascias with UPVC.
Although this is a modern end of terrace comprising houses of similar design; the group has integrity because it has been designed as a whole and through the use of consistent design motifs and materials. All the neighbouring houses have timber windows and the proposed use of uPVC windows will be discordant and inappropriate in the Conservation Area. The proposed sections are almost 100mmm wide, much more than the timber sections they are intended to replace. Friends of Lewes therefore object to this application.
Week as at 2 August
SDNP/16/03577/HOUS: 73 De Monfort Road. Replacement of timber door with grp composite door.
Friends of Lewes object to the proposed use of a GRP composite door in the Conservation Area; traditional wooden doors should be used.
SDNP/16/03589/FUL: 68 – 74 Malling Street. Demolition of existing buildings and erection of seven residential units (class C3) and 1 office unit (class B1).
Friends of Lewes support the principle of redeveloping this brownfield site to provide much needed residential housing in Lewes and do not object to the density and scale of the proposal. The proposed design is unashamedly modern and has the potential to be a very interesting improvement to the existing Malling Street frontage, subject to careful detailing and good workmanship. Although the design makes little effort to imitate its neighbours it has its own consistency and addresses the considerable challenges of a tight urban site with skill and ingenuity. However, the Malling Street elevations are out of keeping with the existing streetscape and whilst the Society is not suggesting that the Georgian/Victorian scale and detail should be recreated, the windows are too large for this prominent site at the eastern gateway to the town. The Society therefore objects to the current proposal.
The Committee examined the following applications and had no observations to make:
| SDNP/16/01151/OUT | Land adjacent to 43 Queens Road. Erect detached dwelling with new access. |
| SDNP/16/02823/HOUS | 31 Cluny Street. Two sun tunnels. |
| SDNP/16/02905/LIS | Sussex Police Headquarters, Church Lane. Internal alterations. |
| SDNP/16/03444/LIS | 1 Garden Cottages, Castle Banks. New fire surround and WC. |
| SDNP/16/03228/FUL | Unit 7, Malling Industrial Estate. Change use to warehouse with retail counter. |
| SDNP/16/03279/FUL | St Anne’s Church, Western Road. New ramp, path and steps. |
| SDNP/16/03333/FUL | 33 Cliffe High Street. Convert first floor two residential with dormer windows and roof lights. |
| SDNP/16/03033/HOUS | 21 Priory Street. External alterations including re-cladding, new windows, demolition and rebuilding of rear extension. |
| SDNP/16/03327/LIS | 142 High Street. Works to wall and new wall. |
| SDNP/16/03418/HOUS | 10 Mount Harry Road. Single storey side extension, demolish existing side extension, side porch and garage and works to front porch. |
| SDNP/16/03419/LIS | Courtrooms 182 High Street. Internal works |
| SDNP/16/03428/HOUS | 19 Clare Road. Single storey extension. |
| SDNP/16/03470/FUL | Land opposite 16-19 Bishops Drive. Ramp. |
| SDNP/16/03519/LIS | 1 Station Street. Fascia sign and projecting sign and alterations to create kiosk. |
| SDNP/16/03505/HOUS | Stream Edge, Rotten Row. Demolish garage and conservatory and build new single-storey structure; single-storey rear extension; enlarge west bay window; new porch/canopy; replace windows and doors; remove one rooflight, reposition one rooflight, two new rooflights and minor alterations to window and door openings. |
| SDNP/16/03590/HOUS & 03591/LIS | 32 Southover High Street. Internal alterations, drainage, new front windows and rear french door. |
| SDNP/16/03629/LIS | 20 Lansdown Place. Replace kitchen with single storey rear extension. |
| SDNP/16/03696/HOUS | 39 Ferrers Road. Alterations to rear dormer and omit approved rear rooflights. |
| SDNP/16/02835/LIS | 11 St Nicholas Lane. Gates and posts at front and rear gate. |
| SDNP/16/03745/LIS | 33 Cliffe High Street. Convert first floor to residential with dormer window and rooflights. |
| SDNP/16/03762/HOUS | 15 St Peter’s Place. Replace front door. |
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Friends of Lewes Planning Committee Report 7 July 2016
Representations made on planning applications following the meeting of the Planning Committee held on Thursday, 7th July 2016.
SDNP/16/00636/FUL: Construction of two x 2 bed houses and creation of 1 bed flat. 85 High Street (Rear of Lewesiana).
Friends of Lewes have reviewed the amended plans submitted with this application. The revised proposal is not significantly different to its predecessor in that it still has a fascia at first floor level, behind which a steeply pitched roof contains two very large box dormers. These are so large that only a vestige of the pitched roof survives and the overall effect is considered to be lumpish and relates poorly to neighbouring properties. The Society therefore maintains its objection to the proposed design, whilst having no objection to the principle of redeveloping this site. Lewes has a pressing need for more housing and its provision within existing settlements rather than in open countryside is strongly supported. This site is in the middle of the town, well connected to buses and trains and within easy walking distance of all amenities and shops. The criterion for whether proposed development is suitable therefore becomes quality; of design, detail and materials. This stretch of Stewards Inn Lane is almost universally single storey and Friends of Lewes consider it would be enlivened by the punctuation of a well-designed two storey building, preferably with a pitched roof and drawing on the robust workshop vernacular of other buildings in the lane and elsewhere (eg Castle Ditch Lane).
Representations made to planning applications in weekly lists as at 7, 14, 21, 28 June and 5 July.
Weekly list as at 7 June
SDNP/16/02493/LIS: Lewes Railway Station. Fit-out of existing vacant retail unit (located off of the ticket hall) as a coffee shop, and the fit-out of an existing store room (on the lower level of the station) as a store for coffee shop.
Friends of Lewes object to the generic modern design of the frontage of the retail unit which is not in keeping with the period of the station. Extensive restoration work has been undertaken to the station and completed to a high standard. Any change of use should be sympathetic and in keeping with the Victorian station design and materials.
Weekly list as at 14 June
SDNP/16/02306/HOUS: 7 Timberyard Cottages. Erection of dormer windows to front and rear, first floor window enlargement and internal works.
Friends of Lewes support the replacement of PVCu windows with timber and have no objection to the scale of the front dormer. However, the Society objects to the use of roofing felt for both dormers and consider zinc or lead materials should be used in the conservation area. It also objects to the scale of the proposed rear dormer which is too large, too wide and undermines the proportions and balance of the existing house.
SDNP/16/02582/HOUS: 82 Queens Road. Loft conversion incorporating hip to gable roof extension and rear dormer.
Friends of Lewes object to the scale of the proposed dormer which is too large, too wide and undermines the proportions and balance of the existing block of houses. The Society considers the proposed development to be contrary to Core Policy 11 of the adopted Lewes District Local Plan.
SDNP/16/02635/HOUS: Maisonette, 31 Lansdown Place. Additional storey to rear extension, enlarged dormer window and raised section of roof to rear roofslope, raised deck and canopy at rear lower ground floor level.
The application is unclear with respect to the materials proposed to roof the dormer. Friends of Lewes consider that should permission be granted it is conditional on the use of lead or zinc roofing materials.
Weekly list as at 21 June
SDNP/16/02166/FUL: St Anne’s Church, Western Road. Proposed new boiler within the tower and boiler flue outlet to south wall of the tower.
Friends of Lewes comments that it is unfortunate that the existing chimney cannot be utilised to avoid making a new opening in the fabric of this historic building.
SDNP/16/02774/FUL: Replacement of existing timber windows. Downsview, Broomans Lane.
Friends of Lewes have no objection to the replacement of timber windows with aluminium in this modern building within the conservation area. However, it objects to the extent of the sub-division of individual windows which is over elaborate and broken up. The design of the new windows should echo those of the existing ones.
SDNP/16/02739/HOUS: 34 The Avenue. Loft conversion including dormer windows to the side and rear elevations.
Friends of Lewes object to the scale of the proposed dormers which is too large, too wide and undermines the proportions and balance of the existing house. The fenestration proposed is out of proportion with existing windows. The Society considers the proposed development to be contrary to Core Policy 11 of the adopted LDC/SDNPA Joint Core Strategy.
SDNP/16/02777/HOUS: 28 St Swithuns Terrace. Erection of garden studio.
Friends of Lewes have no objection in principle the proposed development. However, the Society questions whether a GRP roof is appropriate in the conservation area and considers a sedum or zinc roof would be more suitable.
Weekly list as at 28 June
SDNP/16/02779/HOUS & SDNP/16/02780/LIS: 2 Priory Crescent. Demolition of existing conservatory, erection of garden room, erection of rear dormer, new basement access, rear window realignment, internal alterations.
The Friends of Lewes object to the modern design of the proposed dormer window as it considers a flat roof with overhang is inappropriate for this listed building. The detailing should be improved to ensure the design is sympathetic to the period of the existing building.
Weekly list as at 5 July
SDNP/16/03148/HOUS: 69 Winterbourne Close. Roof conversion incorporating hip to gable extension, dormer window to rear, window to flank elevation and roof-light to front roof-slope.
Friends of Lewes object to the scale of the proposed dormer which is too large, too wide, extends to the height of the ridge and undermines the proportions and balance of the existing house. It considers the development proposed is contrary to Core Policy 11 of the adopted Joint SDNPA/LDC Core Strategy.
SDNP/16/02911/FUL: Premier Inn Hotel Lewes. 10 x LED Spotlight Uplighters, flood lighting to the building elevation using up to 60 degree spread of light with a subtle wash effect. 39 Friars Walk Lewes East Sussex BN7 2LG.
Friends of Lewes strongly object to the proposed floodlighting of a building in the Conservation Area that has no historical or architectural significance and is solely for the commercial promotion of the hotel. The proposal is contrary to the aims of the SDNPA International Dark Sky Reserve and Strategic Policy SD9 of the SDNPA Local Plan: Preferred Options. The proposed floodlighting would be harmful to the character and appearance of the Lewes Conservation Area and does not support the principles set out in the Lewes Conservation Area Management Plan. The Society considers the application should be refused as it is contrary to policies Core Policy 11 of the adopted LDC/SDNPA Joint Core Strategy and advice contained within the Lewes District Council’s Planning Advice Note ‘Shopfronts and Advertisements in Lewes’.
The Committee examined the following applications and had no observations to make:
| SDNP/16/01966/HOUS | 10 Mill Road. Single storey rear extension and revised parking area |
| SDNP/16/02522/HOUS | 11 Mount Harry Road. Erection of a side/rear extension with bi-folding door |
| SDNP/16/02547/FUL | 35 King Henrys Road. Demolition of existing external wall and erection of new |
| SDNP/16/02610/HOUS | 2 The Avenue. Replace front bay with gable front, rebuild garage |
| SDNP/16/02624/LIS | 1 Keere Street. Internal alterations to layout of ground floor |
| SDNP/16/02631/LIS | 6 Eastgate Street. Refurbishment & painting of windows and front door |
| SDNP/16/02632/HOUS | 8 South Street. Rear dormer, replacement of existing window with No 10 |
| SDNP/16/02637/HOUS | 10 South Street. Rear dormer, replacement of existing window |
| SDNP/16/02663/HOUS | 34 The Avenue. Single storey rear extension |
| SDNP/16/02693/HOUS | 3 The Martlets. Erection of garden shed |
| SDNP/16/02268/HOUS | 10 The Nurseries. Insertion of two skylight windows to the west pitch of roof |
| SDNP/16/02609/HOUS | 12 Eastport Lane. Single storey rear extension, rear conservation roof lights |
| SDNP/16/02639/HOUS | 24 Highdown Road. Erection of a rear extension |
| SDNP/16/02752/FUL | Wallands Community Primary School, Gundreda Road. Internal alterations |
| SDNP/16/02824/HOUS | 8 Queens Road. Two-storey side, single-storey rear extensions, dormer window |
| SDNP/16/02980/FUL | Flat 33, Heron Court, Ousedale Close. Change communal area to new flat |
| SDNP/16/02587/HOUS | 77 New Road. Paint front door black, removal of ornamental walls |
| SDNP/16/02611/HOUS | 13 West Street. Erection of a single storey extension |
| SDNP/16/02808/ADV | 3 High Street. Erection of two non-illuminated signs and digital flank |
| SDNP/16/02869/HOUS | 11A Prince Edwards Road. Amend planning approval SDNP/15/00897/HOUS, consisting of front extension and alterations to windows |
| SDNP/16/02892/FUL | 6 Eastgate Street. Change of use to include drinking establishment in addition to existing use |
| SDNP/16/02924/HOUS | 17 Beckett Way. Erection of a rear extension. |
| SDNP/16/02981/LIS & SDNP/16/02999/HOUS | 1 Garden Cottages, Castle Banks. Replacement of attic dormer casements, basement back door, installation of secondary glazing |
| SDNP/16/02947/HOUS | Brandon , Kingston Road. Removal of existing UPVC conservatory and wooden balcony and replacement with new brick balcony to match existing building |
| SDNP/16/02970/HOUS | 3 De Warrenne Road. Reconstruction of garage with duo-pitched roof |
| SDNP/16/02977/HOUS | 13 Eastport Lane. Ground floor rear extension, first floor rear extension |
| SDNP/16/02978/HOUS | 6 Hamsey Crescent. Erection of a first floor side extension over existing SDNP/16/03054/HOUS |
| SDNP/16/03054/HOUS | 13 St Johns Terrace. Repainting front of house |
| SDNP/16/03176/HOUS | 11A Southover High Street. Relocation of front door, new window to ground floor, replacement dormer window frames |
| SDNP/16/03202/FUL | Units 7 to 8, Cliffe Industrial Estate. Change of use to a bus depot (Compass) |
| SDNP/16/03207/HOUS | 47 New Road. Insertion of roof-lights and single storey extensions to rear |
| SDNP/16/03250/HOUS | 26 Cranedown. Extension to existing dormer |
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A new season of Friends of Lewes talks and events, 2016-17
The Friends of Lewes have put together a new programme of talks and events which start in September 2016 with the Lewes Heritage Open Days, a four-day event organised by FoL.
Talks and meetings are held in the Lecture Room of Lewes Town Hall starting at 7.45pm. Entrance is free to members of the Friends of Lewes, otherwise £3 on the door. All are welcome.
Talks this year include the inside stories on the recent renovations to Southover Grange, and the restoration work on Lewes Railway Station and its bridge.
FoL’s programme of talks – 2016/17
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Lewes Speakers’ Festival – 22-24 July 2016
This year’s Lewes Speakers’ Festival, brings together their most interesting line-up yet.
Amongst others: Ken Livingstone explains his vision for the Labour Party and the Left; former Director-General of the National Trust, Fiona Reynolds, states her reasons for fighting for beauty rather than just economic growth. BBC presenter, Dan Cruickshank, relates the History of Architecture in 100 Buildings; and Former BBC Chief Economics Correspondent, Hugh Pym, gives the inside story of the banking crisis. Former Secretary of State for Wales and Northern Ireland, Peter Hain, talks about the future of socialism.
All details on the Lewes Speakers’ Festival 2016 website
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Heritage Open Days Preview Evening – Thursday, 21st July 2016, 7:45pm
Over the course of Heritage Open Days last year over 3,800 people visited historic properties in the town, many of them not usually open to the public.
In the Town Hall Lecture Room (Fisher Street entrance) at 7.45pm on Thursday, 21st July you can hear people talk about the experience of opening their homes and workplaces and see photos of some of this year’s properties which you will be able to visit between 9th and 11th September.
Paul & Mary Benjamin will tell about the Coromandel Chinese Lacquer Screen in their house on Chapel Hill and how it feels to have people pouring through your home.
Philip Pople worked at Lewes House on the High Street for many years. This venue has been on the Heritage Open Days list from the beginning of this programme. He and Ann Spike will relate their experiences.
David Grimwade & Ian Lawrence from Lewes Prison will be describing the unique challenges of opening the doors of this Victorian gaol to ‘tourist’ visitors for the first time last year. Some of the booked slots for this year’s tour have been reserved for those attending this presentation.
After an interval for drinks, we will hear from Phil Green & David Attwood, who live in the Round House on Pipe Passage, surely one of the most distinctive and fascinating homes in the town.
Image of the Round House © Copyright Oast House Archive and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence
Marcus Taylor completes the evening by relating the story and the people behind the Gundrada Chapel in Southover Church, which is seldom opened to the public.
Entry is free – don’t miss it.
Heritage Open Days brochure 2016
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