Friends of Lewes Planning Committee Report – 4th March 2026

Minutes of a meeting held on Wednesday 04^th March 2026, at 8.00 pm, at the Chapter House, Southover Church.

Present: Roger Maskew, (in the Chair), Will Dorman, Alex Durn, Andrew Winter, and (Julian Till as an observer).

(1) Apologies for Absence:- Apologies for absence were received from John Gower, Charles Meloy, Luke Bray and Carolyn Beckingham.

(2) Minutes of Previous Meeting:- The minutes of the meeting held on 04^th February were approved.

(3) Executive Committee Meeting:- There was a meeting of the Committee on the 25^th February.

Key items discussed:-

(a) Lewes Planning Group. Emily Clarke, the Mayor of Lewes, confirmed that this group had not been set up to run as a Town Council initiative, and suggested that the name of the group should be changed to Neighbourhood Plan or similar, to reflect what they were actually trying to achieve.

(b) Tim Slaney meeting regarding the Lewes Planning function moving to the SDNPA took place in the evening on the 09^th February. Both Roger and Will had attended the meeting and Roger referred to the PowerPoint presentation outlining what will happen on the 01^st April. Two key issues had been confirmed, the first identifying which LDC personnel will be transferring to the SDNPA, and the second that manned space will be taken at County Hall, which will enable easier interaction with other authorities departments, such as engineers.

(c) North Street Quarter. At the time of the meeting, (the 25^th February), there had been rumours that Lewes District Council were intending to buy the site from Human Nature. This initiative was subsequently confirmed by the Council on the 27^th February, which included the following quote:-

“Lewes District Council has completed the £9.5 million purchase of the North Street Quarter site in Lewes, marking one of the most significant strategic interventions in the town’s recent history”. Roger also referred to the very positive statement issued by Human Nature on the 02^nd March, entitled “Getting the Phoenix Moving”.

(d) Lewes Urban Design Conference. The Urban Design Group are arranging a conference in Lewes on Friday 05^th June, with presentations at the Depot in the morning, and site visits in the afternoon. Roger is to liaise with the organiser to discuss the arrangements in more detail.

(e) Roger also mentioned that both he and John Gower had brought to the Committee’s attention that the planning Committee had proposed that a FOL Policy on “Building within the Flood Plain” should be developed, which was enthusiastically supported by the Executive Committee.

(4) Planning Decisions from 01/02/2026 to 02/03/26:-

The following SDNPA decisions are available online:-

SDNP/25/02767/HOUS: 13 Winterbourne Close: Loft conversion including flat roofed dormer to rear and side hip to gable conversion. Refused.

SDNP/24/02292/FUL: 64 High Street. Change of use of part of ground/lower ground and first and second floors to 4 residential units together with alterations to the roof to create a new third floor for a further residential unit. Alterations to side and rear elevations to replace windows and doors, various changes to rear parking area to create amenity space, parking and ancillary facilities. Approved.

SDNP/24/03471/FUL & SDNP/24/03582/FUL: Garage Compound, Crisp Road.

Demolition of garages and erection of 2 x affordable dwellings to rent. Approved.

SDNP/24/05304/FUL & SDNP/24/05305/LIS: 190 High Street. Change of use of vacant bank (Class E(c)(i)) to 5 bed house (C3) and 4 self-contained flats (C3) including internal and external alterations such as repairing of sash windows, sub-dividing of rear garden with fencing and removal of roof to external yard (AMENDED DESCRIPTION). Approved.

SDNP/25/00012/ADV: Tesco Supermarket, Brooks Road. Installation of 3no Illuminated fascia signs and 4no graphic sign to proposed Timpson pod. Approved.

SDNP/25/03879/CND: 144 High Street: Variation of Condition 2 (Approved Plans) relating to approval SDNP/25/01145/FUL – Replace the windows to match the profiles, proposed fenestration and finish. Approved.

SDNP/25/04942/LIS: 56 Southover High Street: Repair beam in ceiling of bedroom. Approved.

(5) New Planning Applications from 01/02/2026 to 02/03/2026:-

SDNP/25/04957/FUL: 36-38 Friars Walk: Internal refurbishment and conversion of vacant former NHS commercial office building (Use Class E) to provide 37 apartments (Use Class C3) including the infilling the undercroft on the ground floor.

The Friends of Lewes note the submission of an updated Site Plan, Sections and Ground Floor Plan, (dated the 11^th February), but unfortunately the amendments fail to address the Society’s significant concerns relating to this proposal. As a result, the Society’s previous objection dated the 13^th January 2026 still stands.

SDNP/25/04982/HOUS: 18 The Meadows: Erection of 2 storey side extension:

The Friends of Lewes object to this proposal, as the Society considers it to be an “incomplete application”, with inadequate information provided to enable the proposal to be fully accessed. Of particular concern is the proposed off street parking, which would not only be close to the existing house, but also at a higher level than the ground floor of the existing house and proposed extension. In this respect, a detailed section of the proposed car parking area in relation to the house is required, in order to be able to assess its visual impact within the overall street scene.

SDNP/26/00124/FUL & 00125/LIS: 1 Albion Street: Replacement of 8no. windows to front and side elevations:

The Friends of Lewes object to this proposal to replace these existing windows with a totally inappropriate alternative, which is considered unacceptable in this very significant listed building at the corner of Albion Street and School Hill, at an important location within the Lewes Conservation Area.

As such, the Society fully supports the recommendations of the Conservation and Design Officer, dated the 10^th February 2026 that this application should be refused.

SDNF/26/00520/FUL: 3 Paddock Road: Erection of rear facing dormer, enlargement of existing front dormer, installation of metal gangway from first floor rear bedroom to garden and replacement windows and door to front elevation:

The Friends of Lewes object to this proposal, as the Society is not convinced that the proposal will be visually acceptable within the Lewes Conservation Area, for the following reasons:-

(1) The design and size of the proposed rear facing dormer would be contrary to the agreed SDNPA Design Guidance for the construction of dormers within existing pitched roofs.

(2) To be visually acceptable, the proposed rear facing dormer would need to be reduced in both height and width, in order for the dormer to appear as a separate entity within the existing rear roof slope.

(3) The Society considers that the use of GRP as a roofing surface on both front and rear facing dormers to be unacceptable at this location within the Lewes Conservation Area, which would be clearly visible from higher local vantage points.

(4) Furthermore, the use of “faux GRP rolls” on the front dormer, and the use of “white UPVC fascias” on the rear facing dormer are also considered to be unacceptable.

SDNP/26/00541/HOUS: 31 Prince Edwards Road: Erection of first floor extension over previously built ground floor extension.

The Friends of Lewes object to this proposal for the following reasons:-

(1) Although just outside the conservation area, this house occupies a prominent corner location, and the Society considers that the proposed first floor extension would have an adverse impact on the local street scene.

(2) Currently, the earlier ground floor extension is hidden from public view, but adding a first floor extension would effectively bring the house visually closer to the site boundary, which would make it clearly visible from the public realm.

(3) Furthermore, the Design and Access Statement confirms that “The new window will match the existing windows in terms of style and will also be UVPC”, which is considered to be unacceptable.

SDNP/26/00588/HOUS: 76 Winterbourne Close: Hip to Gable loft conversion with rear dormer and obscured window to side elevation:

The Friends of Lewes object to this proposal to remove the hipped roof from this semi-detached house, as the loss of the existing hipped roof would disturb the symmetry of this pair of houses, and would have a detrimental visual impact on the streetscape. Furthermore, the design and size of the rear dormer would be contrary to the agreed SDNPA Design Guidance for the construction of dormers within existing pitched roofs.

SDNP/26/00783/LIS: 9 Cliffe High Street: Retrospective replacement of shopfront sign (resubmission of SDNP/25/03083/LIS):

The Friends of Lewes fully support this retrospective replacement of the shopfront at this location within the Conservation Area. This alternative proposal is considered to be a significant improvement over the previous shopfront, which had been installed using very shiny bright red plastic panels, with inappropriate lettering.

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

SDNP/25/04727/HOUS:	19 Talbot Terrace. Replacement windows.
SDNP/26/00183/TCA:	1 Hamsey Crescent. Replacement of existing dwelling with new 3no bedroom dwelling.
SDNP/26/00237/HOUS:	2 Park Road. Removal of first floor and roof to existing garden outbuilding and replace with a flat green living roof and fenestration alterations.
SDNP/26/00430/HOUS & SDNP/26/00431/LIS:	29 Friars Walk. Removal of outbuilding to rear and replacement with two storey extension.
SDNP/26/00457/LIS:	11 Keere Street. Retrospective repairs to floors and ceilings/joists, paint removal, skirting board replacement, front wall corner repair, new double-glazed back door and rear patio doors, like-for-like replacement downpipe and gutter to rear, like-for-like tiles to the rear to fill in gaps created due to removal of chimney stack.
SDNP/26/00634/FUL:	Lewes Golf Club, Chapel Hill. Erection of golf coaching studio and retaining wall
SDNP/26/00740/HOUS:	Down End, Kingston Road. Demolition of lean-to utility room and porch, replacement with conservatory. Installation of new window to first floor rear elevation.
SDNP/26/00797/LIS	177 High Street. Re-paint shop front in Farrow & Ball Douter or Green Smoke as per planning application SDNP/25/04671/ADV.
SDNP/26/00636/HOUS:	6 Foundry Terrace Foundry Lane:Removal and replacement of existing outbuilding.

(6) Flood Report for March 2026: By John Gower.

It continues to be a very wet winter. There are reports of over 50 days of continuous rain in parts of Cornwall, and provisional data shows that the South East of England has been noticeably wetter than the long-term winter averages. This is a trend consistent with wetter winters.

Whilst the town has escaped any serious flooding, the Brooks above and below Lewes have been full of standing water for many weeks at a time.

Somerset has seen problems with serious flooding of their levels. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jan/29/somerset-fight-against-flooding-emergency-pumps-river-parrett.

Whilst in Wales a row of houses has been purchased by the Local Authority as it is cheaper to demolish than defend them from continuous flooding. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/feb/02/south-wales-council-buy-demolish-homes-flooding-clydach-terrace-ynysybwl

In response to our local situation, The Friends of Lewes are developing a Policy on development in the floodplain to guide our response to planning applications and local strategic plans.

(7) Any other business: None.

(8) Date of next meeting: – Wednesday 01^st April at 8.00pm at the Chapter House.

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Friends of Lewes Planning Committee Report – 4th February 2026

Minutes of a meeting held on Wednesday 04^th February 2026, at 8.00 pm, at the Chapter House, Southover Church.

Present: Roger Maskew, (in the Chair), Will Dorman, Luke Bray, John Gower, Charles Meloy, Andrew Winter and Carolyn Beckingham.

(1) Apologies for Absence:- An apology for absence received from Alex Durn.

(2) Minutes of Previous Meeting:- The minutes of the meeting held on 07^th January were approved.

(3) Executive Committee Meeting:-

There was a meeting of the Executive Committee Meeting on the 28^th January 2026.

Key items discussed:-

(a) Lewes Planning Group. A discussion over the membership and the objectives of the

group, which includes employing consultants, which they expect members of the group to

pay for. It was agreed that a representative of FOL would attend as an observer only.

(b) Tim Slaney meeting regarding the Lewes Planning function moving to the SDNPA. Roger and Will

to attend the 09th February evening meeting on behalf of the Friends.

Wenban Smith site now delayed to the end of February.

(d) Coffee morning held on the 24th January was considered to be extremely successful.

However, it had become apparent that we needed to clarify the role of the FOL as a society

run by volunteers, which has no specific planning powers regarding the future of the town.

For example, we were asked “why don’t we buy the Bus Station”, and also misconceptions that planning decisions are made locally rather than by the SDNPA.

(4) Planning Decisions from 01/01/26 to 29/01/26:-

SDNP/25/00011/FUL: Tesco’s Supermarket, Brooks Road. Installation of Timpson pod with steps for access and 8 no. 1m high Flex bollards. Approved.

(5) New Planning Applications from 01/01/26 to 29/01/26:-

SDNP/26/00062/CND: Land East of Malling Brooks Industrial Estate, Brooks Road: Variation to Condition 2 (Approved Plans) for SDNP/22/03451/ FUL – To update approved plans.

Although the Friends of Lewes appreciate that this proposal has already been approved, the Society would like to make the following suggestions to improve the accessibility of this site for local residents, as a means of improving its integration within the adjacent residential neighbourhood.

It is an opportunity to create better permeability through the site.
Pedestrian access from Spences Lane should be retained at all times.
The new path to meet the existing pathway in the north western part of the site is supported.
The new pedestrian access from the PROW into the site from the west is also supported.
A new public access from The Spinneys into the southern part of the site would create another route through the site for local residents.

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 to the rear, changes to fenestration and various internal alterations – Amended description.

The Friends of Lewes object to this proposal for the following reasons:-

There is insufficient information to demonstrate that the proposed alterations at the rear of the property would be sympathetic to a Listed Building.
There is insufficient detail submitted to demonstrate that the proposals are indeed buildable, with the use of Corten Steel in the very slimline rear windows, although it is appreciated that this material has been extensively used on other projects for cladding purposes.
The Society is not convinced that the proposed “electric dimming glazing” would be compliant with the dark sky requirements, given the amount of glazing proposed, and especially as a result of the use of top lighting in the roof of the proposed extension.
The installation of three new wood burners in both the basement and in the ground floor would also be contrary to policy within the local “Air Quality Management Area”.

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

SDNP/ 25/04277/FUL:	Malling House, Sussex Police HQ, Church Lane, Malling. Retrospective application for a small box room constructed at the back of the stable block at the site.
SDNP/25/04773/HOUS:	19 Mount Harry Road. Single storey rear extension to replace conservatory, replacement fenestration to front and rear and addition of 1 no. side window.
SDNP/25/04807/FUL:	Daveys Yard, Daveys Lane. Erection of two storey artist and maker studio space and a lightweight pavilion structure.
SDNP/25/04826/LIS:	All Saints Centre, Friars Walk. Renovation and strengthening works including; replacement of iron columns in main hall, repairing and adding restraints to parapet of tower, repairing of floors, windows and rooflights from long term water damage. And other works to support the structure such as lowering external ground levels, repairing of masonry and reconstructing buttresses at the east end of the structure.
SDNP/25/04854/HOUS:	37 Southover High Street. Single storey rear extension and an accessible ground floor bathroom SDNP/25/04860/HOUS: Brendon, Rotten Row. Installation of 2 no. rooflights to extension flat roof and side pitched roof.
SDNP/25/04899/HOUS & SDNP/25/04900/LIS:	8 Sun Street. Erection of ground floor rear extension, roof alterations, installation of weatherboarding and associated works.
SDNP/25/04942/LIS:	56 Southover High Street. Repair beam in ceiling of bedroom.
SDNP/25/05015/FUL & SDNP/25/05016/LIS:	140 High Street. Repair and restoration of 4 no. timber sliding sash windows on first floor south elevation.
SDNP/25/05077/NMA:	42 The Meadows. Variation to Condition 2 (Approved Plans) for SDNP/22/03451/FUL – To update approved plans.
SDNP/26/00271/CND:	7 Wille Cottages, South Street. Variation of Condition 2 (plans) related to Planning Approval SDNP/24/03187/HOUS to include change to standard glass on windows and door on frontage and change to standard glass and increase gap between double glazing by 4mm to first floor rear windows

(6) John Gower’s Flood Report 02^nd February 2026:

January has been very wet with around twice the usual rainfall for the month. On 26 to 28th January, Storm Chandra brought serious flooding to Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. Lewes has so far escaped flooding this winter, but Barcombe and Alfriston have had flooding impacting properties, roads and cars. Train services between Lewes and Eastbourne have been disrupted and there has been flooding of roads and low lying levels around Plumpton after the Bevan Stream overtopped. The River Ouse catchment is now fully saturated and Lewes might experience problems if the forecast wet conditions and rainfall continues.

Flooding at Alfriston 27 Jan 2026

Flooding at Barcombe 28 Jan 2026

John Gower provided some ‘flooding’ slides for the FoL Coffee Morning on 24 January and had some valuable conversations with visitors on the morning. He is also helping Lewes Town Council by reviewing their report on the Lewes Floods Conference and Public Meeting held on 31 Oct and 1 Nov. Juliet Oxborrow has been invited to present the final report and Resulting flood action plan at the Friends of Lewes AGM on 22nd April.

(7) Proposed development in the flood plain:-

Following some discussion, it was decided that John would prepare a draft of a formal policy for further discussion at this Committee, as a basis for forwarding a more detailed draft for consideration by the Executive Committee.

(8) Charging points for Electric Vehicles in Conservation Areas:-

John presented a number of current options for providing charging for drivers unable to have the benefit of off street parking. The committee were concerned about the likely visual impact within a sensitive townscape, but agreed to maintain a “watching brief” on any future options for addressing this issue.

(9) Any other business:- None.

(10) Date of next meeting: – Wednesday 04^th March 2026, at 8.00pm in the Chapter House.

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Friends of Lewes Planning Committee Report – 3rd December 2025

These “Minutes or Update”, relate to the meeting that had been planned for Wednesday 03^rd December 2025, at 8.00 pm at the Chapter House, Southover Church. Roger Maskew, (Chair), in consultation with Will Dorman, decided to cancel the meeting for a combination of reasons, which included sickness, non-availability and the lack of any significant planning applications to be put on the agenda for discussion.

(1) Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the meeting held on the 12^th November will now be approved at the next meeting of the committee to be held on Wednesday the 07^th January 2026.

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Friends of Lewes Planning Committee Report – 26th November 2025

Executive Committee:- There was a meeting of the Executive Committee on Wednesday 26^th November 2025.

Relevant items discussed:-

Planning Committee: Despite our objection to the proposed redevelopment of the annexe to the rear of the White Hart Hotel. (Ref: SDNP/25/00496/FUL), the application was approved by the SDNPA’s Planning Committee.

Planning in Lewes. Without any prior consultation, the SDNPA has announced that the Contract with Lewes District Council to assess minor planning applications in Lewes will NOT BE RENEWED when the current contact ends on the 31^st March 2026. On the 08^th December, a letter was sent to Sion McGeever, (the CEO of the South Downs National Park), expressing the Society’s dissatisfaction at the way Planning in Lewes is being handled by the park authority.

Decisions: From 11/11/25 to 27/11/25:

The following SNPA decisions were available online:

SDNP/25/02763/FUL: Southdown Sports Club, Cockshut Road: Creation of 2no padel courts and the re-siting of 2no tennis courts together with floodlighting. Approved.

SDNP/25/02990/HOUS: 9 Caburn Crescent: Hip-to-cable roof extension with rear dormer and loft conversion (Amended Plans). Approved.

SDNP/25/03228/HOUS: Fairlight, Cuilfail: Conversion from 3no bed bungalow to 5no bed house with erection of new storey. Approved.

New Planning Applications:

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

SDNP/25/02917/FUL: 17 Tanners Brook:	Installation of solar panels to rear roof of property.
SDNP/25/04113/HOUS: 43 New Road:	Roof lights to front rear slope with a rear dormer.
SDNP/25/04402/HOUS: 132 South Street:	Replacement of existing white upvc windows and rear doors with black aluminium framed doors and windows, and erection of clay tiled roof canopy along the rear elevation.
SDNP/25/04454/HOUS: 39 Morris Road:	Replacement double glazed sash windows.

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Changes to the planning process affecting decision making in Lewes District

SDNPA update on Lewes planning web page

Letter to Siôn McGeever ( CEO South Downs National Park Authority)

Letter to Siôn McGeever – Planning Download

Response from Tim Slaney (Director of Planning South Downs National Park Authority)

Friends of Lewes 16 December 2025 Download

S.D.N.P.A – Update on Lewes planning

November 14th, 2025

Lewes and its local communities continue to be a hugely important part of the National Park since its creation 15 years ago and planning is at the heart of ensuring the area’s continued vibrancy and prosperity.

During that time some planning work has been delivered on the National Park Authority’s behalf by Lewes District Council as part of a “Host Authority” contract and a number of successes have been achieved, including strong neighbourhood planning, much-needed affordable homes and the creation of new wildlife havens.

We have more recently been engaging and working more closely with the groups which represent the Town, including the Town Council, to help shape the future of the Local Plan and how it can continue to support this important town in the National Park. We also joined the Lewes Floods 25th Anniversary events to remember and learn from these devastating floods. We look forward to continuing these relationships and working together to deliver for Lewes.

In that vein and by mutual agreement the current contract with Lewes District Council is coming to an end on 31 March 2026, giving us the next five months to work together on a smooth and efficient transfer.

As the largest settlement in the National Park, we’re looking at the potential of an area for the team to work from in Lewes to deliver this planning work.

We’re aware of the unique nature of planning issues in and around Lewes and the interest they can generate. We’re keen to ensure that planning delivers the best results for the people of Lewes and the National Park, having regard to the Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plan.

The SDNPA planning teams deal with applications across the whole of the National Park and six of the districts’ entire planning workload are already handled by the National Park Authority. For more information see www.southdowns.gov.uk/planning-process/

FAQs have been produced to help answer any queries during the transition period and they can be read here.

Friends of Lewes Planning Committee Report – 1st October 2025

Representations made on planning applications following the meeting of the Planning Committee held on the 1st October 2025

Executive Committee:- There was a meeting of the Executive Committee on Wednesday 24^th September 2025.

Relevant items discussed:-

1)The North Street Quarter. It is understood that the section 106 Agreement has still yet to be signed.

2) Lewes Bus Station: The Town Council has been advised not to proceed with the judicial review. However, members of the Town Council are now looking more closely at the archaeological assessments from the site, and have agreed to set up a working party to consider the matter further.

3) Eastgate Wharf: No further news to date.

4) There was an initial meeting of the “Lewes Planning Group” on the 17^th September to discuss the forthcoming meeting with the SDNPA on the 22^nd October. The Executive Committee expressed some concern about the representation, authority, validity and usefulness of the group.

5) Decisions 01/09/25 to 25/09/25:- The following SNPA decisions were available online:

SDNP/24/01995/FUL: Builders Yard Timberyard Lane. Erection of 2no residential dwellings and associated landscaping (amended scheme). Approved.

SDNP/25/00660/HOUS: 15 Southdown Avenue. Loft conversion and formation of integrated annex, hip to gable ends roof extension, two new dormer windows to the front to replace single dormer and installation of one new dormer to the rear and other alterations. Approved.

SDNP/25/01772/HOUS: 17 Tanners Brook. Erection of a single storey garden room. Approved.

New Planning Applications:- 1/9/25 to 25/9/25

SDNP/25/02767/HOUS: 13 Winterbourne Close: Loft conversion including flat roofed dormer to rear and side hip to gable conversion.

SDNF/25/03557/HOUS: 43 Morris Road: Installation of new dormer to roof slope.

The Friends of Lewes object to this proposal to construct a full width flat roofed dormer on the rear roof slope of this house as it would have a detrimental visual impact on the streetscape. Furthermore, the design and size of the rear dormer would be contrary to the agreed SDNPA Design Guidance on the construction of dormers within existing pitched roofs. (On a point of detail, it should be noted that the proposed side elevation is incorrectly drawn, as the side of the proposed dormer would not be setback from the side wall of the existing house).

SDNP/25/03646/FUL: 52 Southover High Street: Change of use of existing museum store building (Use Class F1(c) to a creative/creative arts studio (use class E (c) (iii) with fenestration and internal alterations and retrospective permission for new internal services.

The Friends of Lewes strongly support this planning application, as the Society considers that the proposal would enable this building to be used for community use, which would both complement and enhance the adjacent Grade II*Listed Anne of Cleves House.

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

SDNP/25/03592/NMA: 207 High Street.	Non-material amendment to Planning Approval SDNP/22/03497/FUL to include demolition of northern boundary wall then rebuilt to match approved height.
SDNP/25/03603/LIS: 8-9 Chapel Hill.	Setting back of workshop, blocking up of rear door opening and replacement of doors, extending dwarf wall and railing, along with associated repairs.
SDNP/25/03610/LIS:	Replacement of shopfront signage.
SDNP/25/03769/HOUS: 14 Cluny Street.	Replacing rear windows and door.
SDNP/25/03779/HOUS: 4 Castle Banks.	Replace front and rear dormer windows and rear first floor windows, widen rear dormer, relocate soil vent pipe and remove chimney pot, satellite dish and TV aerial

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Friends of Lewes Planning Committee Report – 6th August 2025

Representations made on planning applications following the meeting of the Planning Committee held on the 6th August 2025

Decisions: The following SDNPA decisions are available online:

None of the Planning Applications, which the Society had responded to, were included in this month’s SDPNA decisions.

New Planning Applications:-

SDNP/25/02415/FUL: 10 South Way: Astley House, Spital Road: Demolition of the vacant building and the construction of 27 residential dwellings with associated landscaping, on-sit car parking and access from / to Spital Road.

The Friends of Lewes object to this proposal, as the Society considers that this amended scheme to be inferior to the 2021 scheme, which was refused and the subsequent planning appeal dismissed. While the overall layout was considered acceptable, (with terrace housing facing both Spital and De Montford Road and a taller block of flats punctuating the Neville Road corner), the building design of both the houses and the terrace housing suffer from bland/ uninspiring elevations. The block of flats also has an untidy/fussy roof profile that inelegantly punctuates the Neville Road junction.

Consequently the Society considers that this scheme will have a negative impact upon the streetscape of the Conservation Area.

The Society also had the following more detailed concerns with the scheme:

The sub division of the rear courtyard arrangement neither delivers usable communal space or sufficient private realm. It would be better simply divided into private gardens with front access to parking only.
The narrow twittens were also questioned from a personal security perspective as they are narrow and inadequately overlooked. They are also unnecessary for connectivity as there is an existing alley further down the road.
There is insufficient bin provision and this needs to be integrated as part of the individual houses.
The three houses on the east end of De Montford Road can only be accessed from the rear. This is a poor arrangement for security/community safety reasons and the houses consequently fail to adequately address the street.
The render treatment of the terrace houses was questioned because of its poor weathering properties and because it is atypical for Lewes. A variation of the brick type would be a more appropriate approach.
The vehicular entrance of the car park appears constrained with poor sight lines for pedestrians along the footway.
While the dead ground floor of the block of flats was considered unfortunate, it was accepted this was a necessary evil that is required to discreetly accommodate the car parking.

SDNP/25/01441/LDE: 46 Spences Lane: Use of property as two separate flats since 2015.The Friends of Lewes object to this proposal because the property is within Flood Zone 3, which flooded badly in 2000. Contrary to planning requirements, there is no Flood Risk Assessment for this application and new sleeping accommodation should not be granted approval in the flood plain.

SDNP/25/02551/FUL: Aldi House, Brooks Road: Demolition of four industrial units and part demolition of the food store for the construction of an extension to the food store with car and cycle parking and associated works.

The Friends of Lewes were concerned about the over-provision of supermarkets (and the consequent traffic generation), but agreed this was a better option than the proposed new Lidl store. While the Society agreed that the proposed elevations were a slight improvement upon the existing facade, the Society opposed the loss of two established trees on the prominent south east corner (adjacent to the roundabout) to accommodate two family sized parking spaces; it was felt this green edge needed to be retained to soften the otherwise mostly hard edged environment in the surrounding area. The loss of the trees should be easily avoidable by swapping the parking spaces around and retaining the existing standard spaces on the front boundary.

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

SDNP/25/02551/FUL: Aldi House, Brooks Road.	Demolition of four existing industrial units and part demolition of the food store for the construction of an extension to the food store with car and cycle parking, landscaping and associated works.
SDNP/25/02126/ADV: Town Hall, High Street.	Flying of the following flags from flagpole; Progressive Pride Flag (first and last day of February, first Friday, Saturday and Sunday of August). Black History Month Flag (first and last day of October) and White Ribbon Flag (flown for 16 days starting November 25th).
SDNP/25/02460/NMA: 14 Middle Way.	Non-material Amendment to Planning Approval SDNP/24/05083/HOUS to include changing from brick to wood cladding to rear extension, changing from double glazed windows and doors to triple glazed and a change in materials from zinc cladding to dark grey envirotiles to the ground floor extension.
SDNP/25/02548/LIS: 25 Sun Street.	Replacement of 3no rear timber sash windows.
SDNP/25/02612/HOUS: 5 Lodge Close.	Infill of existing lean-to porch.
SDNP/25/02687/LDP: 35 Winterbourne Close.	Erection of single storey rear extension.
SDNP/25/02688/HOUS: 50B St Anne’s Crescent.	Erection of driveway to provide 1no parking space and bin and cycle storage.
SDNP/25/02745/HOUS & 02746/LIS: 13 Keere Street.	Demolition and replacement of outdoor WC and erection of writing studio to rear of garden.
SDNP/25/02761/HOUS: 27 St Swithun’s Terrace.	Replacement of 2no windows to rear.
SDNP/25/02771/HOUS: 32 Caburn Crescent.	Conversion of garage to bedroom with bay window, open sided porch and steps.
SDNP/25/02822/TEL: Land opposite 45 The Avenue.	Installation of 1no 9m light pole.
SDNP/25/02825/HOUS & 02826/LIS: 2 Sun Street.	Erection of single storey rear extension to accommodate downstairs toilet and internal alterations such as removal of ensuite and replacement with dressing area and alterations to first floor bathroom to enable provision of a shower.
SDNP/25/02874/LDP: 1 Hamsey Crescent.	Erection of single storey rear extension.
SDNP/25/02883/LIS: 25 Abinger Place.	Partial removal of existing partition to create ensuite to master bedroom and blocking up of existing doorway.
SDNP/25/02884/HOUS: 20 Hillyfield.	Erection of loft conversion with rear dormer window and 2no rooflights to front rooflsope and 1no rooflight to rear roofslope.
SDNP/25/02912/HOUS: 6 De Montfort Terrace.	Installation of an air source heat pump to the rear.
SDNP/25/02930/HOUS: 30 South Way.	Proposed front platform to be raised over 300mm
SDNP/25/02939/LIS: 34-35 Flat 1 High Street.	Repair roof coverings to flat and pitched roofs, and external repairs decorations to match existing exterior.

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Friends of Lewes Planning Committee Report – 2nd July 2025

Representations made on planning applications following the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 2nd July 2025

Decisions: The following SDNPA decisions are available online:

SDNP/25/00511/FUL: Spring Barn Farm, Kingston Road. Installation of 2 no. shepherds’ huts for holiday accommodation. Approved.

SDNP/25/00728/HOUS: Demolition of existing garage, porch, and front chimney stack, alterations to existing window openings and replacement windows, loft conversion, including new dormer windows, new porch and internal alterations, new double garage and gym with a new access driveway and new landscaping (Amended Plans). Approved.

New Planning Applications:-

SDNP/25/02085/OUT: 10 South Way: Demolition of existing bungalow and erection of 3 houses.

The Friends of Lewes object to this proposal, as the Society considers that the use of an Outline Planning Application is inappropriate for this small site, as a key consideration will be the design of the proposed dwellings, which would be reserved. The suggested layout of the three proposed houses would appear to be overdevelopment, as the three houses are narrow fronted and so close together that there would appear like a terrace, which will look alien to the street that is characterised by wide-fronted houses with low eaves, located within mature trees.

The Society also considers that the two trees of high quality and one of moderate quality, that have been identified in the tree protection plan, may be compromised by the development and there may be a need for additional hard surface areas.

SDNP/25/02158/ADV: 219 High Street: Replacement of 1no non-illuminated fascia to front.

The Friends of Lewes object to this proposal, and fully supports the comments made by the Conservation Officer regarding the unsuitability of the proposed design at this location.

The Society notes that although the proposed design is very similar to the current shop frontage, the Friends of Lewes strongly objected to this approach in 2016.

The Society endorses the Conservation Officer’s recommendation that it would be useful to refer to the planning advice note “Shopfronts in Lewes, published in September 2016 and revised in November 2024” for guidance, which can be downloaded on http://www.friends-of-lewes.org.uk.

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

SDNP/25/01415/HOUS: 6 Grange Road	Demolition of existing lower ground floor extension and replacement with a new extension
SDNP/25/02089/HOUS: 41 Fitzjohns Road	Erection of loft extension with rear dormer and installation of 2no rooflights, replacement of existing conservatory with new conservatory and installation of window to rear gable end
SDNP/25/02147/NMA: 1 Hamsey Crescent	Non-Material Amendment to Planning Approval SDNP/24/01895/HOUS to include changing from solar film to solar panel tiles on roof, and removal of rendering on first floor level
SDNP/25/02256/HOUS: 41 Montacute Road	Erection of single storey rear extension and external garage
SDNP/25/02373/HOUS: 16 Chapel Hill	Replacement of 5no double glazed timber sash windows to front and rear.
SDNP/25/02382/LIS: Southover Grange, Southover High Street	Repairs to water damaged areas including internal repairs to paintwork, window frames and timber cladding and external repairs including lime mortar, stonework, lead flashing and rain water pipes.
SDNP/25/02476/HOUS: 2 Monks Lane	Single storey rear extension with front and rear window alterations.
SDNP/25/02611/LIS: 26A Station Street	Amendment to Planning Approval SDNP/23/05098/LIS to include the addition of single entrance to hall with a path and railing, replacement of window with sliding sash window and installation of 5no solar panels to south facing roof slope. Internal amendments to include the addition of another bedroom/home office to flat 2 and replacement of disabled wc in community hall with standard wc.
SDNP/25/02617/TEL: Land adjacent to 1 Mildmay Road	Installation of 1 no. 11m light pole.

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Friends of Lewes Planning Committee Report – 4th June 2025

Representations made on planning applications following the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 4th June 2025

Decisions: The following SDNPA decisions are available online:

SDNP/25/00630/FUL: Change of use of lower ground floor unit from financial and professional services use (Class E(c) (ii), to a 1 bed residential flat (Class C3). 78 High Street. Refused.

New Planning Applications:-

SDNP/25/01871/FUL: Land East of Brooks Road. Demolition of existing buildings and redevelopment to provide Class E foodstore with ancillary parking, access and landscaping.

The Friends of Lewes object to this proposal for the following reasons:-

(1) From a townscape context, the Society considers that this proposal by Lidl Great Britain Ltd would be an inappropriate form of development at this important location, at a ‘gateway’ to the historic town of Lewes.

(2) The South Elevation of the proposed building would present a long and completely ‘blank façade’ to Phoenix Causeway, with only low level shrub planting along the frontage of the site, which would be insufficient to screen the building.

(3) The pedestrian entrance to the proposed development is indicated from Brooks Road, but this is unlikely to be acceptable in the absence of a pedestrian crossing across Brooks Road.

(4) In terms of the proposed use of the site, the Society has concerns about the both the need for a fourth supermarket in Lewes at this location, immediately adjacent to both Tesco and Aldi, and in terms of food security within the flood plain.

(5) The Society is also concerned about whether Brooks Road, and in particular the existing roundabout serving the Tesco supermarket, would be able to cope with the additional traffic that would be generated by the proposed development.

(6) It would be desirable to encourage increased patronage of the range of existing shops within the town centre, and the Society is also concerned that this proposal is unlikely to achieve this objective, although it would be beneficial if shoppers could park for three hours on this site, which is the case on the nearby Tesco car park.

(7) With regard to the large areas of hard surfaces proposed in the redevelopment of this site, it would be essential to provide suitable measures to contain all surface water drainage, particularly at the east end of the site, where there has been repeated surface water flooding after intensive summer rain.

(8) In terms of encouraging better sustainable forms of development within Lewes, the Society considers that the proposed demolition of all the existing buildings on this site to be most regrettable, and would like to suggest that there may be scope for the more contemporary buildings on the site to be retained, and converted as part of a mixed use development.

(9) Alternatively, it could be argued that the removal of all the existing buildings, whilst regrettable from a sustainability perspective, could result in a better overall use of the site, providing an opportunity for a comprehensive mixed use development, which could provide clear land use benefits and architectural enhancements to the wider townscape at this significant gateway location.

SDNP/25/01502/HOUS: 1 Barn Road: Section 73A retrospective construction of timber outbuilding and alteration to boundary fence to provide gated access.

The Friends of Lewes object to this proposal to retain a timber building, erected without planning permission, with an altered boundary fence, and the installation of a gated access.

In addition, a tarmacked vehicular access across the large grass verge to the west of the property has been constructed, together with a dropped kerb to the carriageway, which has not been included within the description of the proposed works and is outside the curtilage of the application site indicated with a red line.

The Society therefore recommends that the timber outbuilding should be removed at the earliest opportunity, the gate removed and the boundary fence re-instated to its original height. In addition, the vehicular access across the large grass verge should be removed and the grass re-instated, in order to restore the overall appearance of the street scene at this location.

SDNP/25/01772/HOUS: 17 Tanners Brook: Erection of single storey garden room.

The Friends of Lewes appreciate that this proposal is within an area that is liable to flood, and that certain measures have been made to raise the proposed structure in order to minimise any future water damage. However, the Society would like to recommend that if the application is supported, that a planning condition be added limiting the use of the structure as a garden room only with no sleeping accommodation.

SDNP/25/01783/HOUS: 51 St Annes Crescent: Replacement of garden wall/hedge to widen driveway and the extension driveway with block paving, removal of rear extension to south elevation and replacement with new single storey extension with roof lantern. Installation of chimney stack ion the same position of original, replacement of slimline double glazing to upper ground floor conservatory, increase in window height of 2no rear windows to be full height. Replacement of garden stairs with cast iron spiral staircase with existing door moved to upper ground floor conservatory. External alterations such as the installation of 2no air sourced heat pumps to rear, installation of soil vent pipe to side and the installation of an electric vehicle charging point to side wall rear driveway.

The Friends of Lewes specifically object to the “Replacement of garden wall/hedge to widen the driveway and the extension driveway with block paving” for the following reasons:-

(1) The existing wall and hedge of this semi-detached property, together with the attached property, 52 St Annes Crescent, make an important contribution to the overall quality of the streetscene within the Conservation Area, having similar narrow parking spaces and extensive hedges fronting St Annes Crescent.

(2) The loss of the existing hedge and the widening of the existing driveway, would have a detrimental impact on the quality of the streetscene.

(3) In more detail, if the drawing of the “Existing Front Elevation” is compared to the drawing of the “Proposed Front Elevation” the length of the existing hedge would be reduced by over 2metres and the width of the drive increased by over 2metres, which would be a significant change.

(4) With reference to the proposed change of surface on the drive, whilst the removal of the existing concrete is to be welcomed, the proposed “herringbone brick paving” is not considered to be an acceptable surface. The Society recommends that a more porous surface should be provided, together with other drainage measures to address surface water run-off, should they be required.

SDNP/25/01671/FUL: Eastgate Wharf: Demolition of existing buildings and construction of mixed-use development comprising 74 dwellings (Class C3), ground floor commercial space (Class E), with associated landscaping, parking, access alterations, and public realm.

Whilst the Friends of Lewes welcome the proposed redevelopment of this important site fronting the River Ouse in the centre of Lewes, the Society is not yet able to support this proposal for the following reasons:-

(1) The Society is aware of the objection by the Environment Agency, and would support the need for a Flood Risk Assessment to be submitted by the applicant.

(2) The proposed scheme by Cayuga Developments illustrates a number of interesting architectural elements and areas of good quality public realm, which would link the town centre to the River Ouse, and would be a great improvement on the existing car park and the abandoned timber warehouse.

(3) However, the Society suggests that certain aspects of the proposed scheme require further consideration and include the following concerns:-

(a) Whilst it is appreciated that the small groups of buildings of different styles would result in more variety being provided, the Society considers that the current scheme is too fussy and should be simplified.

(b) Of particular townscape importance is the scale of the proposed development fronting the River Ouse, as the site forms part of the ‘gateway to Lewes’, and will be very visible from both the Phoenix Causeway and from the tow path on the eastern side of the river. (c) In this respect, it is suggested that the scale and range of the existing buildings fronting the river south of Cliffe Bridge, namely the Riverside, Vipers Wharf, Falcon Wharf and the former Strickland Warehouse establish an interesting precedent to the scale of development that would be suitable for this site.

(c) In this respect, it is suggested that the scale and range of the existing buildings fronting the river south of Cliffe Bridge, namely the Riverside, Vipers Wharf, Falcon Wharf and the former Strickland Warehouse establish an interesting precedent to the scale of development that would be suitable for this site.

(d) It is therefore recommended that the proposed development should be limited to a maximum of four storeys, in order to be sympathetic in scale to the wider setting along the river frontage between the Phoenix Causeway and Cliffe Bridge.

(e) It is considered essential to visually integrate the upper floors with the ground floor, rather than have a change of structure above ground floor level, but it is appreciated that this approach would be difficult to achieve in the absence of an agreed FRA, (flood risk assessment).

(f) Providing a ‘live frontage’, with commercial units fronting the River Ouse at ground level is considered to be essential, in order to cater for increased pedestrian flows in the future, when the riverside walkway is linked to the North Street Quarter site under the Phoenix Causeway.

(g) There is a need to ensure that the riverside walkway can be linked in the future to Cliffe High Street, in the vicinity of Cliffe Bridge.

(5) With specific reference to the “Townscape and Visual Appraisal” documents and in particular the colour coded outlines of the proposed development in Part 2, the images on pages 6,7, 33 & 34 are not only inaccurate, but very misleading and should be corrected.

(6) As a pre-requisite for redeveloping this site, the Society also suggests that it is essential that the local planning authority needs to identify an alternative location for public car parking to replace the existing car parking provision on this site.

(7) The Society recommends that there is a need to considerably reduce the overall number of car parking spaces on this site, as the majority of future residents would not be expected to own a car at this town centre location. Indeed, there is already more than one example of a basement car park being grossly underused in a relatively recent redevelopments in the town centre.

(8) Although not included within the proposed site boundary, the Society considers that it would be essential for the Highway Authority to provide a right hand turn at the top of the existing exit ramp at its junction with the Phoenix Causeway, in order to allow motorists to avoid having to circulate within the town centre, or worse still to use Cliffe High Street as an exit from the town centre.

(9) The near continuous discharge of untreated sewage from the Southern Water, Ham Lane (Lewes) sewage pumping station, shows that the public sewage system in Lewes is broken, and requires substantial major works so that it has capacity to retain, and pass forward all flows for treatment at the Newhaven Sewage Treatment Works. An independent review into sewer capacity needs to confirm that additional homes will not cause further discharges of untreated sewage to the River Ouse.

(10) The Society therefore recommends that no new housing developments in Lewes should be implemented until these works have been completed.

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

SDNP/25/01400/HOUS: 14 Fisher Street	Removal of plain clay tiles and replacement with natural slate, including 2no dormers to rear slope and 3no roof lights to front. Removal and replacement of rear outshot roof and demolition of chimney breast and stack, raising of eaves and re-slating of roof to match main roof, including 4no roof lights. Demolition of bathroom and WC to the rear of outshot and replacement with extension to create a day room.
SDNP/25/01409/HOUS: 3 Cockshut Road	Erection of single storey ground floor side extension and front porch, conversion of flat roof to dual pitched roof, replacement of windows throughout and installation of solar panels to south facing roof slope.
SDNP/25/01912/HOUS: 3 Mount Pleasant	Installation of 2no roof lights to rear roof.
SDNP/25/01936/HOUS: 67A Houndean Rise	Installation of cladding to first floor exterior.
SDNP/25/01991/FUL & 01992/LIS: 141 High Street	Lowering height of flat roof and installation of mechanically opening roof light.
SDNP/25/02048/NMA: 102 Prince Edwards Road	Non-Material Amendment to Planning Approval SDNP/21/00113/HOUS to include changing from a two storey side and single storey rear extension to a 1.5 storey side extension only and reduction in height of this extension
SDNP/25/02058/HOUS: 7 Offham Road	Erection of single-storey rear extension, raising height of existing side extension, installation of 2no. rooflights at front and 1no. at rear elevations, including alterations to fenestration and landscaping.

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