Minutes of a meeting held on Wednesday 14th October 2026, at 8.00 p. m., at the Chapter House, Southover Church.

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

1. Apologies for Absence:

Apologies for absence were received from Charles Meloy and Alex Durn.

2. Minutes of Previous Meeting:

The minutes of the meeting held on 09^th September 2026 were approved.

3. Executive Committee:

Key items discussed:

(a) A meeting with Rob Cottrill, (CEO of Lewes District / Eastbourne Borough Councils), to be

held on the 21st October.

(b) There was strong support from the Committee for our objection to the current proposals for the redevelopment of Eastgate Wharf, and it was agreed that the site should be part of a Masterplan for the centre of Lewes, including a suitable replacement of the former bus station site.

(c) Adrian Ross informed the meeting that the Tourist Information Centre is proposed to be located in the Barbican, but that the Town Council was still pushing for it to be in 187 High Street.

(d) The Committee was advised that the Town Council’s Flood Report of the 2000 floods in Lewes is going to be distributed at an evening event planned for the 30^th October in the Council Chamber. (Which was attended by Roger, Peter Earl and Bronagh Liddicoat).

(e) In order to commemorate 75 years of the Friends of Lewes in 2027, a programme of events is currently being considered by the Membership Committee.

4. Flood Report

The 12^th October marked the 26^th anniversary of the 2000 Lewes Floods, when 613 homes and more than 200 businesses were devastated, and more than 200 businesses were devastated, and 186 people had to sleep for several nights in emergency accommodation at the Town Hall and the Malling Community and Leisure Centres.

Lewes Town Council has recently published a report on the events of last autumn, when the 25th flood anniversary was marked with a very well attended flood conference, public meeting and Friends of Lewes exhibition of photographs and flood memories. The report covers the history of flooding in Lewes, discussions on the technical preparedness and flood response and the way forward. The FoL new policy against development in the flood plain is also featured.  Aviva Insurance has warned that many homes being built in England could become uninsurable in the future because they are located in flood-risk areas. Read the Guardian report here. This warning has implications for the proposed developments at North Street, Eastgate Wharf and the former Bus Station in Lewes if they proceed as currently planned. Homes that cannot be insured may become unmortgageable and suffer a significant loss in value.

A community group, “Let’s Get Ready Lewes”, is preparing a guide to help residents prepare for and cope with emergencies caused by the climate crisis. FoL has been invited to contribute, particularly by strengthening the sections on flood risk.  The proposed North Barnes development, dubbed the ‘Eton Mess’, between Plumpton and East Chiltington, would bring 3,250 new homes to the area. The proposal involves sending the resulting sewage to Lewes for treatment. This raises serious concerns about the capacity of the existing sewage infrastructure, including the Ham Lane pumping station, and the risk of increased discharges of untreated sewage directly into the River Ouse.

Although North Barnes is several miles from Lewes, this proposal highlights the importance of monitoring major developments throughout the River Ouse catchment.

Development upstream can have significant implications for Lewes, both in terms of flood risk, sewage and water quality and the capacity of essential infrastructure.

5. Decisions:

The following SDNPA decisions are available online:

SDNP/25/02085/OUT:  10 South Way.   Outline planning application for the erection of a new house and garage to the rear of 10 South Way (Amended Description). Approved.

SDNP/26/00813/FUL:  137 High Street.  Replacement of existing outbuilding with single storey detached classroom and erection of additional detached single storey classroom with associated landscaping. Approved.

SDNP/26/01813/FUL: 18 Eridge Green.  Erection of single storey rear extension. Approved.

SDNP/26/02586/HOUS:  16A Landport Road. Single storey side and rear extensions with internal and fenestration alterations. Approved.

6. New Planning Applications:

03^rd September to 07^th October

SDNP/26/03583/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) This application must be considered against the new policies in the National Planning Policy Framework and the changes to the South Downs Local Plan, as well as the emerging Lewes Masterplan which will influence the Lewes Neighbourhood Plan.

(2) The loss of employment land is unacceptable and contrary to development plan policies including Lewes Neighbourhood Plan Policy HC4.

(3) Given the current high number of vacant shops in Lewes Town Centre, it is considered essential that an impact assessment be submitted in support of this application, which would need to show that this development would not have a significant adverse impact on the existing shopping environment, and to indicate how it will maintain or enhance town centre viability.

(4) It is unclear why Lidl has chosen to place their store in an active flood plain and to locate their convenience store adjacent to a newly enlarged Aldi, Tesco and Waitrose. In times of flood the food security of the town would be under threat, which conflicts with National Planning Policy Framework, which states that development should be steered to the lowest to areas with the lowest risk of flooding.

(5) This proposal would focus all shopping related traffic movements onto a single part of the town’s road system, which would be undesirable and raises both highway capacity and safety issues. Furthermore, this application does not fit well with the emerging development of the town with the focus on modal shift and large increases in cyclists from the Phoenix and Old Malling Farm housing areas.

(6) As a large proportion of the site will effectively be sealed by the proposed building and tarmac, it would be essential that a porous surface be provided with provision for adequate storm attenuation measures to be accommodated. However, this might be difficult to achieve as the water table is frequently very high on the proposed development site.

(7) In sustainability terms, the proposals do not make any use of the existing buildings on the site, which are relatively new and should be repurposed in order to save the embodied carbon. Furthermore, with land at a premium, it seems short-sighted that only a single storey development is being proposed.

(8) Given the important location of this site as the “gateway to the historic town of Lewes”, the proposed building lacks architectural merit, being sited adjacent to the conservation area and a grade 1 listed building, the Jireh Chapel. As such, the proposals are contrary to both SDLP Strategic Policy SD12 Historic Environment, and Strategic Policy SD25 Development Strategy, and effectively demonstrate that this is site is unsuitable for the construction of a large Class E foodstore.

SDNP/26/03435/FUL: Erection of 12 floodlights to existing tennis courts.

The Friends of Lewes are concerned that the introduction of these floodlights must comply with the Southdown Downs National Park’s Policy on Dark Skies.

SDNP/26/03642/HOUS & 03643/LIS: 59 Southover High Street: Installation of2no linked dormer windows and 2no rooflights to rear roof, creation of internal ensuite shower room.

The Friends of Lewes object to the introduction of one large linked dormer to the rear roof. Of particular concern is the introduction a vertical panel in order to link the two proposed dormer windows. In this respect, the Society considers it this would be visually difficult to achieve using vertically matching roof tiles.

SDNP/26/03869/HOUS: 8 Queen Annes Close: Loft conversion including new dormer with Juliet balcony to rear roofslope and 2no rooflights to front roofslope.

The Friends of Lewes object to this proposal as it does not comply with the agreed policy regarding the introduction of a new dormer within an existing roof, and would result in a bulky structure close to the existing ridge. Furthermore, although this elevation has been described as the “Proposed Rear (South East) Elevation” it would be clearly visible from the public realm in Prince Edward’s Road.

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

SDNP/26/02629/DCOND:  Old Malling Farm, Old Malling Way. Discharge of condition 10 (Levels) for SDNP/18/06103/OUT: (Revised Drawings)

SDNP/26/03095/LDP: 12 Clare Road. Garden room.                                                            

SDNP/26/03419/HOUS: 43 The Avenue. Replace sash window.

SDNP/26/03481/LIS: HM Prison Lewes, 1 Brighton Road.  Intrusive investigation works to the existing boundary wall at HMP Lewes, including localised opening-up and trial investigations to establish the construction, condition and structural arrangement of the historic wall.

SDNP/26/03493/HOUS: 23 Meridian Road. Two-storey side extension.

SDNP/26/03513/TEL: Southern Water Authority, Ham Lane. Proposed new pole.

SDNP/26/03523/LIS: Flat 1, Castle View Apartments, 1A St Martin’s Lane. Refurbishment of the first-floor flat comprising of replacing modern plasterboard linings, insulations and partitions with natural insulation and lime plaster systems, replacing the floor, kitchen and bathroom and repairing and restoring the bay window and fireplace.

SDNP/26/03526/FUL: Malling House, Sussex Police HQ, Church Lane, South Malling. PV panels to roof.

SDNP/26/03548/SUPD: Unit 1, Daveys Yard, Daveys Lane. Low voltage underground cable.

SDNP/26/03550/LIC: The Lewes Arms, 1 Mount Place. Premises license review.

SDNP/26/03581/HOUS:  Coney Croft, Landport Farm. New entrance porch and single storey side extension to replace old utility room to consist of new larger open plan kitchen inc. internal alterations.

SDNP/26/03632/HOUS & 03633/LIS: 11 Keere Street. Internal and external alterations and repairs

SDNP/26/03635/FUL & 03636/ADV: 20-21 High Street.  1x non-internally illuminated fascia sign and 1x non-internally illuminated projecting sign

SDNP/26/03684/LIS: Lewes Railway Station, Station Road. Removal of existing waiting shelter to London End of Platform 2 and replacement with new heritage shelter to match style of 2 recent replacements.

SDNP/26/03725/LDP: 10 Downside. Erection of a detached single-storey outbuilding within the rear garden of the existing dwellinghouse.

SDNP/26/03728/DCOND: Old Malling Farm, Old Malling Way. Discharge of Condition 6 (Drainage Maintenance Plan) related to Planning Approval SDNP/18/06103/OUT

SDNP/26/03735/LIS: 8 Southover High Street. Retrospective works to the internal fabric, including removal and replacement of the kitchen and downstairs WC and bathroom, together with associated doors and flooring.

SDNP/26/03738/NMA: 99 Western Road. Non-Material Amendment of SDNP/26/01105/CND – Window alterations

SDNP/26/03764/LIS: Antioch House West, Rotten Row. Refurbish tile roof.

SDNP/26/03766/ADV: Aldi House, Brooks Road. Application for 9no. advertisements: 1no Totem with 3no. signs, 1no. Logo Vinyl, 1no. Welcome Vinyl, 1no. Graphic Vinyl, 2no. Aldi Signcase, 1no. No Entry Sign

SDNP/26/03708/ADV:  215 High Street. Proposed installation of two non-illuminated flat-cut aluminium fascia signs to the existing shopfront fascia.

SDNP/26/03771/HOUS: 38 North Way. Replacement of the existing tile hung facade with external wall insulation and rendered finish.

7. Any Other Business:

Will Dorman suggested that it might be possible to link laptops to a screen in order to show applications to the Committee.

8. Date of Next Meeting:

Wednesday 11^th November 2026, at 8.00 p. m., at the Chapter House.

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Minutes of a meeting held on Wednesday 9th September 2026, at 8.00 p. m., at the Chapter House, Southover Church.

Present: Roger Maskew, (in the Chair), John Gower, Charles Meloy, Luke Bray, Julian Till, Andrew Winter.

1. Apologies for Absence:

Apologies were received from Will Dorman, Alex Durn and Carolyn Beckingham.

2. Minutes of Previous Meeting:

The minutes of the meeting held on 05^th August that had been circulated were approved, but will need to be amended. Please see “Responses to August Planning Applications”, dated the 16^th August, when comments on the amendments to 3 conditions on the proposed Old Malling Farm development were not able to be submitted, and have subsequently all been approved.

3. Executive Committee:

There had been no Executive Committee meeting in August.

4. Decisions:

1^st August to 28^th August

The following SDNPA decisions are available online:

SDNP/24/00843/FUL:  Pannetts Building, Railway Lane. Extensions and alterations to provide E Class (Commercial, Business, and Service) use at ground floor and conversion of other areas to provide 2 x Studio flats, 2 x 1 bed flats, 4 x 2 bed flats and 1 x 3 bed duplex flat with external terrace and alteration to existing roof (Amended Scheme).

SDNP/25/02085/OUT: 10 South Way. Outline planning application for the erection of a new house and garage to the rear of 10 South Way (Amended Description).

SDNP/26/00541/HOUS: 31 Prince Edward’s Road. Erection of first floor extension over previously built ground floor extension. Approved.

SDNP/26/02163/LIS: 9 Cliffe High Street. Retrospective replacement of shopfront sign (resubmission of SDNP/25/03083/LIS) (amendments to SDNP/26/00783/LIS). Approved.

SDNP/26/02373/HOUS:  Erection of single storey rear extension. Approved

SDNP/26/02571/HOUS:  Single storey rear extension. Approved

5. New Planning Applications:

1^st August to 28^th August

SDNP/25/01671/FUL: Eastgate Wharf Lewes East Sussex BN7 2LD. (Amended Scheme).Demolition of existing buildings and construction of mixed-use development comprising 60 dwellings (Class C3), and 372sqm 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 planning application for the following reasons:-

(1) It is contrary to the Society’s recently issued “Policy on Development in the Floodplain”, which specifically recommends that there should be no future housing development on the floodplain in Lewes.

(2) Furthermore, the Society considers that this Eastgate Wharf site has a strategic importance in seeking to achieve an appropriate integrated town centre re-development, in order to ensure the future vitality of Lewes Town Centre.

(3) In this respect, the Society would strongly recommend that this current proposal should not be supported.

(4) Taking a wider, more strategic view, given that both the Generator Group’s proposal for the redevelopment of the former Lewes Bus Station Site, and Human Nature’s proposals of for the redevelopment of the former Phoenix Iron Works Site, do not seem to be making any progress, the Society would strongly recommend that it is timely to consider that a “Masterplan” should be prepared for the centre of Lewes.

(5) Indeed, it is understood that the SDNPA has already invited the Lewes Planning Group to contribute to such a review.

(6) Such a “Masterplan” should take the opportunity to consider the provision of an alternative option for replacing the bus facilities in the centre of Lewes, including the provision of bus stops at save locations, adequate space for buses to stop for limited periods, and the provision of facilities for bus crews to take a break.

(7) Simultaneously, Southern Water should be strongly encouraged to improve the capacity of the waste water treatment works in Ham Lane, before any further housing is built in Lewes, in order to avoid any additional discharges of untreated water into the River Ouse.

SDNP/26/03177/HOUS: 7 the Fosse Lancaster Street:

Installation of five all-black solar PV panels inset into the south facing roof.

The Friends of Lewes object to this planning application, as solar panels should not be installed on an elevation facing the street within a Conservation Area, due to the adverse visual impact on the historic setting. Not submitted as planning application had been withdrawn.

Owlsbury Farm in Uckfield:

https://planning.wealden.gov.uk/Planning/Display/WD/2025/0922/MEA:

Friends of Lewes continue to object to this proposal because insufficient evidence has beenprovided to demonstrate that the development will not increase surface-water runoff within the River Ouse catchment.

This is a fundamental issue because any increase in runoff from the development would add to flows within the River Ouse and could consequently increase the risk of flooding in Lewes and other areas downstream.

We note that both the Environment Agency and the East Sussex County Council Flood Risk Management Team continue to object to the proposal on grounds relating to flood risk and the buildability and effectiveness of the proposed Surface Water Management System. In particular, it has not yet been satisfactorily demonstrated that the system can prevent any increase in surface-water runoff from the developed site.

Friends of Lewes consider that this issue must be resolved before any planning permission is granted. The applicant must provide robust evidence, acceptable to the Environment Agency, East Sussex County Council and Wealden District Council’s Building Control Team, demonstrating that during extreme and sustained rainfall events, including those expected to become more frequent and severe as a result of climate change, surface water can be safely contained and managed within the site for a prolonged period without increasing flows into the River Ouse.

There is also a significant concern regarding the long-term management, maintenance and reliability of the proposed Surface Water Management and containment system. It must be demonstrated that appropriate arrangements will be in place to ensure that all components of the system remain fully operational and effective throughout the lifetime of the development, including during extreme rainfall events.

Until these matters have been satisfactorily demonstrated, Friends of Lewes considers that the proposal has not adequately addressed the potential increase in flood risk arising from the Development.

For these reasons, Friends of Lewes object to the application.

Letter sent to Wealden on 14^th September.

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

SDNP/26/02964/ADV: 16A High Street. 1 vinyl graphic to door, 1 to window, hand painted wall sign and protruding sign.

SDNP/26/03000/HOUS: 6 Fitzroy Road. Loft conversion with rear dormer.

SDNP/26/03056/LDP: 1 Cockshut Road: Single storey rear extension.

SDNP/26/03066/FUL:  1 Cockshut Road.  Extending first floor flat to complete first floor area, install air source heat pump and solar panels.

SDNP/26/03161/FUL:  5 Mount Harry Road.  Ancillary to Class E(b):  storage use strictly subordinate and ancillary to primary restaurant and residential flat above for operators.

SDNP/26/03173/DCOND:  Pells Church of England Primary School, Landport Road.   Discharge of Condition 21 (SUDS STRATEGY) for SDNP/23/02033CND

SDNP/26/03188/DCOND:  Aldi House, Brooks Road. 

Discharge of conditions 10 (Soil Sample Test), 18 iv. (Seed mix, Soil test analysis), 18 v. (Planting specification for the ‘green roof’), 24. (Details of the ‘brown roof’) & 28. (Staff cycle parking) for SDNP/25/02551/FUL

SDNP/26/03278/LIS: 22 High Street.   Advertisement signage (linked to SDNP/26/03117ADV).

SDNP/26/03297/HOUS: 15 Bradford Road.   Single storey rear extension, life-for-like window replacement and roof-mounted solar panels.

6. Flood Report 2026

2026 is likely to be one of the hottest and driest on record, with 4 significant heatwaves impacting most of the UK. As we move into autumn the risk of flooding returns, as rains fall on parched dry ground and run off quickly before they have a chance to soak into soils and underlying strata. Both the 2000 and 1960’s Lewes Floods were in the autumn so let’s hope we don’t see another one in 2026.

The UN have issued advice that this year is likely to see the hottest El Nino for 1000 years develop in the Pacific Ocean. This will release extra heat into the atmosphere, which in turn will bring higher than average rains and risk of flooding in the UK. It is sobering that our government have started to advise us to keep stocks of dried and tinned foods and bottled water in case of extreme weather. It is clearly important that we start to adapt our housing stock and work places to cope with these new extreme summer heatwaves and of course build new homes outside of the floodplain and the higher risks of flooding.

7. Any Other Business:

None

8. Date of Next Meeting:

Wednesday 14^th October 2026, at 8.00 p. m., at the Chapter House.

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Minutes of a meeting held on Wednesday 5 August 2026, at 8.00 p. m., at the Chapter House, Southover Church.

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

1. Apologies for Absence:

Apologies for absence were received from Alex Durn and Roger Maskew.
Will Dorman read a statement from Roger Maskew about the sad passing of his wife Marion

2. Minutes of Previous Meeting:

There was no meeting last month.

3. Executive Committee:

Key items discussed:

(a) High Street – Bronagh Liddicoat updated regarding her representation at two meetings convened by the Mayor who has outlined two priorities for his term of office: affordable housing and the vibrancy of the High Street. Bronagh is part of the sub-group dealing with the High Street following on from her involvement with the 2021 FoL online panel forum. Good non-political representation was provided by retailers, business people and organisations around the town who are suffering badly from increased overheads. A second meeting is to be organised focusing on priorities which include the streetscape as there is a pot of Town Council money that can be used to improve the town. This was very positively received and endorsed by the Executive Committee.

(b) Accounts – FoL’s finances are acceptable with membership rising to 400. The committee questioned the value for money for belonging to the Civic Voice as membership has increased to £600. It was agreed to pay for one more year

(c) North Street Quarter – Peter attended the Lewes District Council Cabinet meeting in Newhaven and questioned the sale of Plot A, which belongs to LDC, to the new Human Nature/Hollybrook partnership. Peter’s three questions will receive a formal answer from the LDC Cabinet. Concern was expressed over the lack of transparency regarding Plot
A and Plot B previously bought for £9 million with £2 million being VAT. Serious concerns were also expressed over the building of residential properties on the flood plain and why Springman House isn’t being developed as affordable housing, being outside of the flood area.

(d) Enforcement/Shelleys – Sarah Earl attended the SDNP Planning meeting in Lewes
(as Peter was at the Newhaven Cabinet meeting on the same day) and read out the
statement regarding the disrepair of Shelleys. Huge thanks to Sarah as her attendance
sparked a good quality debate by the Planning Committee which has been uploaded
onto the website.

(e) Other properties at risk – Lewes signal box and Fitzroy House.

(f) Tourist Information Office – Peter has written to the Town Clerk regarding the
possible transfer of the asset 187 and 188 High Street from LDC to the Town Council
asking for an update.

(g) Trees – 28 have been ordered for next season’s planting. The elm on St Anne’s hill
has been cut down, but a replacement is planned. The Fouch family has given £1,000
to plant trees at the Pells in memory of Paul Fouch. 2025 and 2026 planted trees are
being watered regularly during the extended dry period. John Gower suggested planting
more trees in the pedestrian precinct as part of an initiative to celebrate the 75th
anniversary of the FoL in 2027 and to help mitigate against the urban heat island effect
associated with climate change.

4. Decisions:

The following SDNPA decisions are available online:

SDNP/25/00496/FUL – White Hart Hotel 55 High Street – Demolition of the former hotel annex and construction of 5 new dwellings with parking and associated landscaping. Approved.

5. New Planning Applications:

1 July to 30 July

SDNP/26/02373/HOUS – 18 Eridge Green – Erection of single storey rear extension – Friends of Lewes recommend a condition that roof waters go to soak away, to not overload current drainage/ sewerage systems that are under pressure due to climate change. This will also help alleviate the current pressure on Lewes’s sewerage systems,
which has unacceptable discharges of untreated sewage directly to the River Ouse due to insufficient capacity at Ham Lane.

SDNP/26/02388/LIS – 123A Malling Street – Replacement of front door, door frame and threshold. Existing door is rotten and needs replacing: – JG to supply note

SDNP/26/02502/LIS – Sussex Police Hq Malling House Church Lane South Malling – Proposed external repairs to stabilise masonry structure: Friends of Lewes agreed the information supporting this application is incomplete. The drawings are crude and an expert assessment is needed from a specialist stonemason. The Conservation Officer also needs to look at this scheme.

SDNP/26/02547/DCOND – Old Malling Farm Old Malling Way – Discharge condition 27 (Southeast NMU access) in relation to SDNP/18/06103/OUT : Friends of Lewes object to this proposal for the same reasons listed by the Council’s Highways Authority in their objection letter dated 23 July 2026.

SDNP/26/02571/HOUS – 94 Malling Street – Single storey rear extension : Friends of Lewes object to this proposal as, in line with FoL’s policy, new structures should be prevented in flood plains

SDNP/26/02586/HOUS – 16A Landport Road – Single storey side and rear extensions with internal and fenestration alterations: Friends of Lewes object to this proposal as, in line with FoL’s policy, new structures should be prevented in flood plains. FoL also object because there are errors/inconsistencies in the drawings and because the proposed close boarded fence along the front boundary is unsympathetic with the character of the street and sets a bad precedent. The repositioned front entrance is also obstructed by the front forecourt parking

SDNP/26/02629/DCOND – Old Malling Farm Old Malling Way – Discharge of condition 10 (Levels) for SDNP/18/06103/OUT: Friends of Lewes object to this proposal for the same reasons listed by the Council’s Landscape Officer in their objection letter dated 27th July 2026.

SDNP/26/02631/DCOND – Old Malling Farm Old Malling Way – Discharge of condition 6 (Flood risk) and condition 15 (foul drainage) for SDNP/18/06103/OUT: Friends of Lewes object to this proposal for the same reasons listed by the Council’s Flood Risk Management Team in their objection letter dated 22 July 2026.

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

SDNP/26/02388/LIS: 123A Malling Street.	Replacement of front door, door frame and threshold. Existing door is rotten and needs replacing
SDNP/26/02578/HOUS: 24 St Anne’s Crescent	Retrospective permission required for the continued use of the annexe as ancillary accommodation, and for external painting of the annexe in a conservation area.
SDNP/26/02594/LDP: 59 The Avenue	11 solar PV panels on roof.
SDNP/26/02613/DCOND: 199 High Street.	Discharge of Conditions 8 (details of extension), 9 (New Dormer) and 12 (new details) for SDNP/25/04946/HOUS.
SDNP/26/02655/LIS: 26 Keere Street	Repainting door and window frames.
SDNP/26/02741: 2 Highdown Road	Loft conversion including hip to gable conversion, new window and rooflight and solar panels on rear roofslope.
SDNP/26/02772/LDP & 02799/LIS: 1 St Michael’s Court, Keere Street	Amalgamation of 2 dwellings into single unit and new internal door.
SDNP/26.02784/LDP 5 Mount Harry Road	Storage Unit.
SDNP/26/02798 DCOND: 199 High Street.	Discharge of Conditions 4 (ARCH 1) and 8 (Details of Extension) for SDNP/25/04946/HOUS.
SDNP/26/02884/DCOND: 199 High Street	Discharge of Condition 7 (Proposed extention) for SDNP/25/04947/LIS.

6. Flood Report:

John Gower reported:
There have been no incidents of recent flooding in Lewes. Hardly any rain has fallen and July 2026 is likely to be one of the driest and hottest on record.

Lewes obtains all of its water from the Brighton Chalk Block Aquifer, which is now falling to seasonally low levels, having started the year fully recharged after a wetter-than-average winter. Despite the current low water levels there are no hosepipe bans in Lewes, but it is of course still sensible to conserve water as restrictions could easily be required if the dry weather continues.

Hot summers are often compared to 1976, which had an exceptionally long period of dry, hot, sunny days. This followed a very dry winter in 1975, and by late summer 1976 all of England was suffering a serious drought, with multiple restrictions for water use and people having to queue to get water from standpipes in the street as supplies were cut to many homes. The wet winter of 2025 means we are unlikely to get serious drinking water supply issues this year, but the very hot dry weather will still impact farming with lower than usual harvests and possible localised food shortages.

Climate change is predicted to bring more frequent heatwaves, which are likely to increase maximum temperatures by 1C a decade. This means that the current hottest day of 40C will become 45C by 2070’s, bringing severe problems unless we substantially adapt.

7. Any Other Business:

Carolyn Beckinghamm brought up the issue of potholes, particularly in New Road and Bull Lane. It was decided to refer this to the Executive Committee.

Andrew Winter asked who makes the decision on the names of streets in new developments (Charles Meloy said the developers do, but they inform the Council) as he was concerned that recent street names seem to have little or no connection with Lewes. Will Dorman suggested that this should be referred to the Executive Committee to see whether FoL could be consulted by the Council on future street naming decisions.

8. Date of Next Meeting:

The next meeting is set for the 2nd September but as several members of the Planning Committee will be away then, it was suggested that it would be better to re-organise it for the following week (either the 9th or 10th September). WD to investigate.

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Membership

Minutes of a meeting held on Wednesday 06^th May 2026, at 8.00 p.m., at the Chapter House, Southover Church.

Present:  Roger Maskew, (in the Chair), Luke Bray, John Gower, Andrew Winter, Julian Till and Carolyn Beckingham.

(1) Apologies for Absence:- Apologies for absence were received from Will Dorman, Charles Meloy and, Alex Durn.

(2) Minutes of Previous Meeting:- The minutes of the meeting held on 01^st April 2026 were approved. 

(3) AGM:- The Friends of Lewes AGM was held in the Town Hall on Wednesday the 22^nd April 2026.

Key items discussed:-

(a) Juliet Oxborrow, from the Climate Hub, made a very interesting presentation in relation to five proposals for Lewes, in order to address the increasing flood risks to the town arising from climate change. Juliet also referred to a forthcoming report on flood risks, based on last year’s Exhibition and subsequent Day Conference, recognising the 25^th Anniversary of the Lewes 2000 Floods.

(b) After a short break for refreshments, the business part of the AGM was carried out, which included the re-election of Ruth O’Keeffe as Chair, Roger Maskew as Vice Chair, and Diana Freestone as Secretary, and the election of John Harbor as the new treasurer, and Paul Yates as a new trustee, followed by an amendment to the time Trustees can be a Member of a committee.

(4) John Gower’s Presentation:- It had been intended to present John Gower’s revised “Policy of Development in the Floodplain” to this meeting, but this has now been postponed to the next meeting in June.

(5) Urban Design Group Conference:-

The Committee is reminded that The Urban Design Group Conference in Lewes will be on Friday the 05^th June. Roger will be part of the opening presentation in the morning session to be held at the Depot. Two walking tours of Lewes are planned for the afternoon, and both Peter Earl and Will Dorman have agreed to be guides.

(6) Planning Decisions from 27/03/2026 to 29/04/2026, plus 3 additions to the 05/05/2026:- 

The following SDNPA decisions are available online:                                                         

SDNP/26/00903/ADV & 00904/LIS: 57 High Street. Removal of as-built fascia and re-instating of original timber fascia and installation of new signage to shop timber fascia panel with trough light above.  Refused.                                                                                                                                        

SDNP/26/00876/FUL: 15 Spring Gardens. Enclosure of existing porches. Approved.

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

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

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

SDNP/25/04946/HOUS:  199 High Street. Demolition of lower ground floor rear extension and replacement with two storey rear extension, rear dormer window, detached single storey garden room at the rear, Changes to fenestration and various internal alterations:  Amended description.   Approved.

(7) New Planning Applications 27/03/2026 to 29/04/2026, plus 1 addition to the 05/05/2026:-

SDNP/26/00813/FUL & 01814/LIS: 137 High Street: Replacement of existing outbuilding with single story detached classroom and erection of additional detached single storey classroom with associated landscaping.

The Friends of Lewes are most concerned that the existing substantial flint wall at the rear of the property, facing Paddock Road, should be retained in its current condition, at its makes a valuable contribution to the streetscape at this location within the Lewes Conservation Area.

Although, the Society appreciates that although there is no specific reference to this wall being demolished in the planning application description, it is most unfortunate that in the series of Artist’s Impressions that are included in the planning application documents, (and in particular artist’s impressions 4 and 5), clearly suggest that this existing flint wall is to be rebuilt in red brick, which would be totally unacceptable.

In this context, the Society would strongly suggest that these Artist’s Impressions should not be in the list of approved drawings for this Planning Application.

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

SDNP/26/01593/CND: The Brewery Shop, Bridge Wharf Brewery, 4-6 Cliffe High Street. Changes to condition 2 (Approved Plans) for SDNP/25/00929/FUL (for change of use of the small part of the ground floor and upper floors from ancillary office and staff accommodation to Visitor Accommodation/Use Class C1.)

SDNP/26/01559/HOUS: 25 Spences Field. To build a bridging platform to provide a walkway from the middle floor of the house to the garden.

SDNP/26/01528/ADV: Bus Shelter, Phoenix Causeway. Replace existing 6 advertising panels to double sided 6 sheet with 1digital panel.

SDNP/26/01527/LIS: 45 Cliffe High Street. Timber repairs and redecoration to the shop front.

SDNP/26/01462/HOUS: 23 Western Road. Single storey rear extension, front solar panels, rear air-source heat pump and fenestration alterations.

SDNP/26/01465/HOUS: 31 Rufus Close. Loft conversion with rear roof dormer and front roof windows.

SDNP/26/01479/HOUS: 16A Landport Road. Erection of 2no single storey side extensions, loft conversion and dormer roof to rear.

SDNP/26/01415/LIS: 12 Little East Street. Replacement roof.

SDNP/26/01332/HOUS: 17 Stansfield Road. Proposed single storey extension at the side to replace existing outbuilding.

SDNP/26/01315/FUL: 59 High Street. Installation of defibrillator and bleed kit cabinets to external wall.

SDNP/26/01311/LDP: 13 Winterbourne Close. Single storey rear extension with skylight to replace conservatory.

SDNP/26/01281/FUL & 01282/LIS: Antioch House West, Rotten Row. Replacement of existing glass conservatory with glazed solid roof sunroom, and associated works.

SDNP/26/01290/ADV: Delanair Estate, Unit 2, Brooks Road. Installation of new signage to include main signage, welcome sign, 2 no information signs to front and totem panel adjacent to car park and 1no sign to side elevation.

SDNP/26/01284/FUL & 01285/LIS: 57 High Street. Removal of as-built fascia and re-instating of original timber fascia re-painted in white and various internal works including skimming and painting of walls, new flooring and lighting and replacement of sockets and switches.

SDNP/26/01257/LIS: Jireh Chapel, Malling Street. Internal and external repairs, reinstatement of internal WC, installation of Baptistry and temporary netting beneath the barrel vaulted ceiling.

SDNP/26/01244/HOUS: 4 Barn Road. Demolish existing rear outstand and conservatory. Build rear and front/side ground floor extensions.

SDNP/26/01212/FUL: Southover Parish Church Hall, St James Street. Render repairs and coating with paint finish, extractor fan installed for future WC.

SDNP/26/01701/HOUS: 6 Fitzroy Road. Loft conversion with rear dormer.

8) Flood Report:-

Despite a wetter than usual winter, thankfully there have been no serious flooding incidents in Lewes. However, climate change still poses a very real threat to our town especially due to rising sea levels and increased river flows.

A very sobering report, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/04/new-orleans sea-levels-relocation-climate-crisis, finds that large areas of New Orleans have reached the point of no return are no longer defendable against rising sea levels. Relocation of residents should start taking place now from large areas of the low-lying city.

Much of New Orleans is at or below sea level and sits behind high concrete walls, called Levees. Many of these would need rebuilding to much higher levels, but as the land behind them remains low, the flood risk increases as the water levels rise on the other side. In 2005 Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans breaking the Levees and drowning over 1400 people. Many of the lowest lying areas were not rebuilt as again the risk of future flooding was too great. This new report suggests that residents are relocated now before the next natural disaster hits the city.

(9) Any Other Business:-

John Gower said that the For Sale board outside Fitzroy House had been taken down. He had heard that a consortium was thinking of establishing it as an arts centre.

Julian Till asked if there was any news of Shelleys Hotel. There was nothing official, but an online video is said to show that the property had been broken into.

(10) Date of Next Meeting: – Wednesday, 03^rd June 2026, at 8.00 pm, at the Chapter House.

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Membership

Minutes of a meeting held on Wednesday 1st April 2026, at 8.00 p. m., at the Chapter House, Southover Church.

Present:  Roger Maskew, (in the Chair), John Gower, Carolyn Beckingham, Peter Earl as an invited guest and Julian Till as an observer.

(1) Apologies for Absence:- Apologies for absence were received from Will Dorman, Charles Meloy, Luke Bray, Andrew Winter and Alex Durn.

(2) Minutes of Previous Meeting:- The minutes of the meeting held on 4th March 2026 were approved. 

(3)  Presentation by John Gower:-

John Gower presented his redraft of the “Policy on Development in the Floodplain”, which was discussed in some detail. However, given the number of absentees, it was decided to consider this item again at the next meeting of the Planning Committee on the 06^th May 2026.

(4) Executive Committee Meeting on 25^th March 2026 :-

Key items discussed:-

(a) John Harbor, our prospective new treasurer, was welcomed to the meeting and introductions were made.

(b) North Street Quarter purchase by LDC. It was agreed that the Friends of Lewes will not support the representations from CAAG and the town council in questioning the LDC rationale for the purchase of the site.

(c) The Urban Design Group Conference in Lewes on Friday the 05^th June 2026. Roger recently met the organiser of the conference, and will make the opening presentation in the morning session to be held at the Depot, followed by other presentations during the morning. Two walking tours of Lewes are planned for the afternoon, and both Peter Earl and Will Dorman have agreed to be guides.

(d) Following approval by the Planning Committee, the revised “Policy of Development in the Floodplain”, will tabled at the next meeting of the Executive Committee on the 27^th May 2026.

5) Planning Decisions from 28/02/2026 to 26/03/2026:-

The following SDNPA decisions are available online:

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

SDNP/25/04572/FUL: Grange Court, Grange Road:  Proposed removal of all existing timber windows and doors and replacement with new windows and doors made from timber to front and side elevations, and white uPVC to the rear elevation (Amended Plans)(Amended Description). Approved.

SDNP/25/03557/HOUS: 43 Morris Road:  Installation of new dormer to rear roofslope.  Approved.

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

SDNP/25/01441/LDE: 46 Spences Lane: Use of property as two separate flats since 2015. Approved.

SDNP/25/00928/FUL: 1-2 Cliffe High Street: Change of use of the ground floor of No’s 1 and 2 to a Sui Generis public house, replacement rear extension to No. 1, new dormer and single storey rear extension to No. 2, foundation stabilisation works to No’s 1 and 2 and repairs to river all. Approved.

SDNP/24/03586/FUL: Garage Compound, Prince Charles Road. Demolition of garages and erection of 4 x affordable dwellings to rent. Approved.

SDNP/24/03472/FUL: Garage Compound, Waldshut Road: Demolition of garages and construction of 1no affordable dwelling to rent. Approved.

(6) New Planning Applications from 28/02/2026 to 26/03/2026:-

SDNP/26/00809/FUL: 20-21 High Street: Partial change of ground floor from Class E to form 2no residential units: 

The Friends of Lewes object to this proposal, as the Society considers it to be an overdevelopment of this existing town centre building, for the following reasons:-

(1) The proposed conversion to form two residential units is very contrived internally, and also relies on the conversion of a very small overgrown area at the rear of the existing building, to provide any external amenity space, which would appear to be unrealistic.

(2) Furthermore, the ‘section A’ drawing provided as part of the submission, clearly indicates that this proposed amenity space does not relate well to the ground floor level of the building to be converted to residential use.

(3) With reference to photographs provided in the ‘Design and Access Statement’, it is evident that there are already a large number wheelie bins to the rear of 20-21 High Street which are not screened from view. In this respect, there would appear to be no scope for adding further wheelie bins.

(4) Similarly, there would appear to be no scope for accommodating two additional cycle spaces without being an inconvenience to neighbours.

For these reasons, the Society would strongly recommend that this application should be refused. 

SDNP/26/00904/LIS: 57 High Street: Removal of as-built fascia and re-instating of original timber fascia and installation of new signage to shop timber fascia with trough lighting above:  

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

(1) Whilst the Society welcomes the re-instatement of an original timber fascia to this shopfront, the proposed use of cut letters from 10mm thick black foam board to be fixed to the fascia, is considered to be wholly unacceptable and out of character within the Lewes Conservation Area.

(2) External illumination of the entire shop front is also unacceptable within the Conservation Area.

(3) Furthermore, the proposed re- use of the trough light above the fascia would be contrary to the South Downs National Park’s Dark Sky’s Policy.

(4) The Society is also aware of some outstanding issues within the interior of the shop, in relation to how shelves have been fitted to the structure of this Listed Building, which also need to be urgently addressed.

For these reasons, the Society would strongly recommend that this application should be refused. 

SDNF/26/00876/FUL: 15 Spring Gardens: Enclosure of existing porches:

The Friends of Lewes object to this planning application, as the Society is of the view that this proposal is very similar to the previous Planning Application, (SDNP/23/04649FUL), which was refused in March 2024. Furthermore, the proposed installation of black timber cladding on the front elevation would also not be considered acceptable, as it would introduce an additional material to the front elevation of this residential building, which would have an adverse visual impact within the Conservation Area.

SDNP/26/01190/HOUS: 9 Cleve Terrace: Loft conversion with rooflight to front:

The Friends of Lewes have no objection to the introduction of this proposed rooflight into the front elevation to this terraced house in the Conservation Area. However, the Society would like to advise the applicant that a single rooflight would provide insufficient light for the conversion of the existing loft space into a habitable room, such as an additional bedroom, and also suggests that further advice be sought from Building Control, before proceeding with this project.

SDNP/26/00437/HOUS: 15 Mount Harry Road: Erection of wooden fencing around the side and front gardens including too number gates:

The Friends of Lewes object to this planning application, as the Society considers that the proposed fence and gates would be too high at this location, at the corner of the junction of Mount Harry Road and Caburn Crescent. Furthermore, there seems to be inconsistencies in the proposed heights of both the “pedestrian gate” and “driveway gate pair” at 1830mm compared to the “Drawing 3 – fence panel with trellis topper” at 1525mm. In addition, the “Block/Site Plan” suggests that the new fence is 1.83m high. The Society would therefore like to suggest that the height of the proposed fence should be limited to 1.0m, possible supplemented with suitable planting along the garden side of the site boundary.

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

SDNP/26/01197/FUL: 63 High Street.  Conversion of existing building from Class E(c)(i) (Financial Services) to a self-contained three-bedroom dwelling (Class C3).

SDNP/26/01042/LIS: 4-6 the Bridge Wharf Brewery, Cliffe High Street. Installation of rooflights.

SDNP/26/01035/HOUS: 12 Mountfield Road. Erection of single-storey side extension and front porch extension

SDNP/26/01095/LDE: 24 Chapel Hill. Retaining of brick enclosure including monopitch roof.

SDNP/26/01041/LIS:  4-6 The Bridge Wharf Brewery, Cliffe High Street. Installation of Air Source Heat Pumps.

SDNP/26/01005/LIS: 144 High Street. Replacement of rotten windows to first and second floors of south and west elevations.

SDNP/26/00992/HOUS: 12 Nevill Crescent. Demolition of garage studio and erection of single storey side extension.

SDNP/26/01010/FUL: Telecommunications Mast 2 at County Hall, St Anne’s Crescent. Installation of a telecommunications base station comprising the addition of 6 no new antennas and 1 no new 300mm dish, together with ancillary development thereto on the rooftop of Lewes County Hall.

SDNP/26/00975/HOUS: 20 Evelyn Road. Replace conservatory with single storey rear extension.

SDNP/26/00811/HOUS: 6 St John’s Hill. Loft conversion including rear dormer and installation of 2no rooflights to front elevation.

SDNP/26/00632/HOUS: 27 Baxter Road. Construct retaining walls and a hard standing platform in the front garden to support the pressure of a mobility scooter.

SDNP/26/00510/FUL: 1B Prince Edward’s Road. Replacement of 7no windows and 4no doors, installation of 1no window to side of garage.

SDNP/26/00510/FUL: 49A Cliffe High Street. Installation of gas pipe to supply 2nd floor flat.

SDNP/26/00024/FUL:  Installation of a new DDA compliant ramp to the West Entrance of Sackville House along with replacement of existing glazed screen and double doors with new entry syste

(7) Flood Report for April 2026: By John Gower.

The Friends of Lewes (FoL) Planning Committee is currently drafting a “Policy on Development in the Floodplain” for Lewes and surrounding areas. Once agreed, the policy will be brought to the Executive Committee for formal ratification. Last November, the Lewes Floods 25^th Anniversary Public Meeting voted by a large majority to restrict building new houses in the floodplain, a view that FoL supports. This formal policy will help the FoL put forward our views and objections to any inappropriate development proposals.

There have been no reports of significant flooding in Lewes this winter, but in Kenya 66 people were killed in sudden flooding and Tenerife experienced its worst storms in decades with up to 700mm of rainfall experienced over 6 days.

In the UK, the National Emergency Briefing have produced a film of their November 2025 conference on the climate crises, which is being shown at the Depot on Thursday 9 April. The film and conference paint a very sobering picture of the future, with climate change impacts, including flooding, accelerating.

The Friends of Lewes AGM is on 22^nd April 2026 in the Lewes Town Hall Council Chamber. The speaker is Juliet Oxborrow, a director at the Lewes Climate Hub, who will talk about the Lewes Floods 25^th Floods Anniversary Conference and Public Meeting held last autumn.

Juliet is currently writing the formal report of the event which will be published in May following the local council elections.

And finally, some good news. The Pells Pool are planning some improvements works and it has been very encouraging to note that their proposed new plant room and office accommodation have been designed to be floating, so when the pool area floods the new building will float and rise up above the flood waters! This is a very sensible adaptation which should be mirrored for all future building in the Lewes and surrounding areas floodplains.

(8) Any Other Business:-

Carolyn Beckingham asked if there had been any further progress with Shelleys Hotel. A 216 notice, to gain access to the building, has recently been served by Lewes District Council, to which the owner has objected.

(9) Date of Next Meeting:-

Wednesday, 06^th May 2026, at 8.00pm in the Chapter House.

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Membership