Representations made on planning applications following the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 5th February 2025

SDNP/24/24/05304/FUL & 05305/LIS: 190 High Street. Change of use of vacant bank (Class E (c)(i)) to 5 bed house (C3) and 5 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 t=-external yard.

The Friends of Lewes object to the loss of ground floor commercial floor space at this significant location near the war memorial in Lewes High Street.

The Society considers that it is an important townscape objective to maintain the opportunity to provide a range of commercial activities on ground floors, with easy access from the High Street, in order to sustain a variety of activities, and amenities within the Town Centre.

However, the Society would like to suggest that there is scope to provide residential accommodation on both first and second floors of the existing building, but appreciates that this would require a major review of the current proposed accommodation layout.  

Furthermore, adequate space needs to be provided to the rear of the property, for the provision of cycle storage for residents and for off street storage for a variety of recycling bins for each residential dwelling. 

SDNP/25/00012/ADV: Tescos Supermarket Brooks Road. Installation of 3no Fascia and 4no Graphic signs to proposed Timpson Pod.

The Friends of Lewes object to the siting of this proposal so close to the main entrance to the supermarket, which is located in a very congested area, with a combination of pedestrians, shopping trolleys, taxis and vehicles trying to park or to depart from the site.

Furthermore, the Society objects to the ‘box like’ appearance of the proposed ‘pod’, and is concerned that if approved, it could establish a precedent for further ‘pods’ to be proposed on other locations within the curtilage of the Tesco car park.

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

SDNP/25/00252/FUL & 05044/LIS: The Pelham Arms, High Street.	Replacement of patio hardstand to rear side of property with reclaimed Victorian brick pavers.
SDNP/25/00125/HOUS: 8 St John’s Terrace.	Erection of glazed canopy to rear.
SDNP/25/00072/HOUS & 00073/LIS: 199 High Street.	Refurbishment of 7no windows and replacement of 5no windows.
SDNP/25/00075/LIS: Flat, 90 High Street.	Part retrospective application for integration of underfloor heating to an area of modern lower ground floor, addition of secondary glazing to existing front door and shop front window, installation of 2no fire rated doors to base of stairs, upgrade of 4no existing  bedroom doors to be fire safe and installation of new mist sprinkler system and advanced fire detection system.
SDNP/25/00055/DCOND:  Land at Southdowns Road.	Discharge of Condition 28 (monitoring and maintenance plan) and 29 (verification report) of SDNP/15/01303/FUL.
SDNP/25/00052/FUL & 00053/LIS: Town Hall, High Street.	Works to roof including thermal upgrades and installation of skylights, and external works including the installation of raise rainwater outlets and 4 windows to north elevation.
SDNP/25/00038/HOUS: 7 Cranedown.	Conversion of garage to study space by removing garage door and replacing with a wall and 1no window.
SDNP/25/00032/HOUS:  24 Hawkenbury Way.	Loft conversion incorporating rear dormer, front facing skylight, removal of non-functioning chimney.
SDNP/25/00060/DCOND: 81B Western Road.	Discharge of Condition 4 (details of frame colour) related to Planning Approval SDNP/24/03072/HOUS
SDNP/24/05277/FUL: St Nicholas Centre, Spital Road.	Replacement of existing 1no large arched timber gable window and door and 1no timber window and door, replacement of all existing timber cladding to outbuilding with new fibre cement cladding boards.
SDNP/24/05265/FUL: HM Prison, 1 Brighton Road.	Replace detached modular unit.
SDNP/24/05116/HOUS: 1 Mount Cottages.	Installation of solar panelling to rear elevation and air source heat pump, replacement of flat roofs with green roofing, insertion of 3no windows to previously blocked up window openings, add the additions of 1no rear bedroom roof , and 1no window to kitchen, replacement of existing vehicle gate doors with timber gates and pedestrian gate with timber gate to match.
SDNP/24/04988/HOUS:  50 Queens Road.	Single storey rear extension.
SDNP/25/04243/LIS: Flat 1, 34-35 High Street.	New roof coverings to flat and pitched roofs, and external decorations to match existing exterior.
SDNP/24/03720/LIS: 33 High Street.	Retrospective works including replace/adapt door sets, fire stopping to open penetrations and compartmentalised areas, removal of existing fire alarm equipment with new wireless system, installation of fire signage and electrical distribution network modifications and replacements.

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Representations made on planning applications following the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 4th December 2024

01/11/24 to 28/11/24:

SDNP/24/04404/FUL: 99 Western Road. Alterations to and conversion of existing commercial building to 1 x 4 bedroom dwelling house and alterations to fenestration.

The Friends of Lewes object to this application as the loss of the existing commercial space at ground floor level would result in ‘dead frontage’ at this important location in Western Road, which is unlikely to ever be reinstated.

The Society would therefore like to suggest that both the ground floor and basement be retained for commercial use, with a separate access to enable the conversion of both the first and second floors for residential use.

SDNP/24/04066/FUL: Garage Compound The Lynchets. Demolition of garages and construction of 5 x dwellings.

Although the Friends of Lewes support this application in principle, because the initiative would add to Lewes’s housing stock and maximise the opportunity to provide much-needed affordable housing, the Society objects to the particular design solution proposed for the redevelopment of this site for the following reasons:-

(1) The use of modular components to assemble each dwelling limits the scope for providing a suitable design solution on this narrow site with a curving street frontage.

(2) The existing mature trees on the bank fronting the A26, abutting the western boundary of the site, are considered to be too close to the proposed dwelling units, which they would overshadow.

(3) It would be desirable to re-design the proposed dwellings with shallower plans in order to maximise the size of the rear gardens.

(4) The use of the “Volumetric Modular Construction” approach may not be able to provide a suitable design solution for this site.

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

SDNP/24/03958/LIS. 10 Southover High Street:	Replacement of 5no windows and front door.
SDNP/24/04417/HOUS. 7 Barn Hatch Close:	Installation of Air Source Heat Pump (12Kw)
SDNP/24/04428/FUL. 3 De La Warr Green:	Single storey rear extension to ground floor 1-bed flat.
SDNP/24/04492/HOUS. 118 High Street:	Reinstatement of previously removed ground to first floor secondary stair, internal partitioning to ground and first floor to facilitate, and partial insulation to existing potting shed/boot room.
SDNP/24/04527/NMA. 36 The Course:	Non-Material Amendment to Planning Approval SDNP/22/05288/HOUS to include increase to length of extension and changes to window and door arrangement on rear elevation.
SDNP/24/04560/FUL & 04561/LIS. 4-6 The Bridge Wharf Brewery Cliffe High Street:	Alteration to garage/workshop, moving electrical intake supply to first floor of garage workshop, formation of passage behind store for shop staff deliveries to car parking area.
SDNP/24/04635/HOUS. 30 Prince Edwards Road:	Removal of existing chimney stack, installing a new flue and fenestration alterations.
SDNP/24/04639/HOUS. 1 Yarrow Road:	Single storey side extension with wheelchair access.
SDNP/24/04660/FUL. Priory Place Flats Priory Street:	Replacement of all windows to Priory Street Flats.
SDNP/24/04669/HOUS. 12 St James Street:	Two storey rear extension and internal alterations.
SDNP/24/04707/ NMA. 20 Malling Down:	Non-Material Amendment to Planning Approval SDNP/20/03037/HOUS to include an increase in height and addition of small extension to roof canopy.
SDNP/24/04711/HOUS. 134 High Street:	Replacement render on part of rear elevation.
SDNP/24/04715/HOUS. 26 South Way:	Two storey front extension, rear ground floor extension to create veranda with fenestration alterations.
SDNP/24/04717/LIS. 37 Cliffe High Street:	Re-painting of exterior with internal refurbishments including dropping of ceiling to install spot lights, and alterations to ancillary unit with erection of stud wall.
SDNP/24/04795/FUL & 04796/LIS: 138 South Street:	Installation of Roof-Mounted 2.25KW/p Solar PV Array onto domestic garage.
SDNP/24/04836/NMA. 81 Highdown Road:	Non-Material Amendment to Planning Approval SDNP/23/00467/HOUS – Alteration to line of front and rear walls of Utility room in side extension, addition of rear-facing window to Utility room and repositioning of side-facing window to rear Dining room extension.

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Representations made on planning applications following the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 6th November 2024

01/10/24 to 31/10/24:

SDNP/24/03471/FUL: Garage Compound Buckwell Court. Demolition of garages and erection of 2 x dwellings.

SDNP/24/03472/FUL: Garage Compound Waldshut Road. Demolition of garages and construction of 1no dwelling.  

SDNP/24/03582/FUL: Garage Compound Crisp Road. Demolition of garages and erection of 2 x dwellings. 

SDNP/24/03583/FUL: Garage Compound Kingsley Road. Demolition of garages and erection of 6 x dwellings.

SDNP/24/03585/FUL: Garage Compound Landport Road. Demolition of garages and erection of 9 x dwellings. 

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

SDNP/24/03587/FUL: Garage Compound Queens Road. Demolition of garages and erection of 6 x dwellings.

The Friends of Lewes support all of the above applications in principle, both in design terms and because they would add to Lewes’s housing stock, especially if they maximise the opportunity to provide much-needed affordable housing.

SDNP/24/03950/HOUS:  26 Queens Road. Erection of front porch, extension of existing driveway and dropped kerb.

The Friends of Lewes object to this application. However the Society suggests that the entrance door would benefit from being repositioned on the front face of the proposed porch, (or a larger/deeper window), in order to allow the building to properly address the street (or, incorporating a larger/deeper window in place of the slit window). The proposal also needs to demonstrate how the soak-away works within the boundary of the property. 

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

SDNP/24/03738/FUL: 5 North Street.	Change of use from part class E and part class C3, to class C3 only, including layout and external alterations, to provide a single dwelling house.
SDNP/24/04085/HOUS: 6 The Course.	Replacement windows to front and rear elevations.
SDNP/24/04034/FUL: Offices 1-4, 21 High Street.	Conversion of first floor office accommodation (Class E) to 3no residential units (Class C3) (2no 2 Bedroom & 1no 1 Bedroom), including internal and external alterations.
SDNP/24/04228/HOUS: 47 Spences Lane.	Erection of front entrance porch, conversion of integral garage into living accommodation and minor alterations.
SDNP/24/04335/CND: Castle Cottage Castle Ditch Lane.	Variation of Condition 2 (plans) to include changes to internal layout, external hopper and downpipe removed from rear elevation, relocation of entrance doors and glazed inset panels removed from entrance doors at ground and first floor levels. Also, removal of conditions 3e (i) (EV charge point), 3e (iv) (private garden compost bin) and 13 (installation of blackout blind system) related to Planning Approval
SDNP/21/06397/FUL.
SDNP/24/02447/HOUS: 29 The Avenue.	29 The Avenue. Section 73a retrospective replacement of a chimney stack.
SDNP/24/03625/HOUS: 7 The Avenue.	Erection of Victorian style aluminium greenhouse.
SDNP/24/03702/FUL: 111 High Street.	Retrospective retention of car barrier.
SDNP/24/03812/HOUS: Priory Lodge, Southover High Street.	Replacement of garage door adjoining a Grade II Listed Building.
SDNP/24/03844/FUL: The Malthouse Daveys Lane.	Section 73a retrospective change of use from light industrial (Class E) to microbrewery and taproom (sui generis), addition of toilet block and canopy shelter.
SDNP/24/04013/LDP: 17 Highdown Road.	Alterations to dwelling to include reinstatement of original internal porch and new front door, alterations to side and rear facing windows and replacement of conservatory glazing.
SDNP/24/04086/HOUD: 45 South Way.	Enlargement of existing rear extension and conversion of garage storeroom and erection of raised timber deck.
SDNP/24/04094/FUL: 179 High Street.	Remove the existing rear roof terrace timber balustrading and lightwells, installation of new powder coated aluminium balustrading. Installation of new rear bollards, replacement rear decking.
SDNP/24/04126/HOUS: 21 Gundreda Road.	Erection of green roof rear extension, internal renovations, replacement side entrance porch, removal of front conservatory and replacement with bay window and removal of chimney stack.
SDNP/24/04219/FUL: 16-22 Stansfield Road.	Proposed replacement of doors/windows.
SDNP/24/04261/LIS: 7 New Road.	Proposed rear lead clad dormer to facilitate a loft conversion and ground floor infill extension under existing first floor extension.
SDNP/24/04302/HOUS: 64 Highdown Road.	Erection of single storey rear extension, conversion of garage, erection of porch and pergola.
SDNP/24/04394/LIS: 134 High Street.	Replacement render on part of rear elevation.

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Representations made on planning applications following the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 2nd October 2024

01/09/24 to 30/09/24:

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

SDNP/24/02389/LIS: 171-172 High Street.	Re-painting of front facade to Wishbone White with the brand name painted in blue.
SDNP/24/03215/HOUS: 21 The Avenue.	Replace all front windows
SDNP/24/03593/FUL & SDNP/24/03594/LIS: Flat 1, 2 St Swithuns Lane.	Replacement railings to terrace.
SDNP/24/03635/HOUS: 14 Firle Crescent.	Replacement single-storey rear extension, two-storey side extension to replace existing garage, replacement porch and roof to bay window and installation.
SDNP/24/03644/LIS: HMP Lewes, 1 Brighton Road.	Upgrade works to 3no. cells to higher security category
SDNP/24/03655/HOUS: 9 Gundreda Road.	Erection of 2 storey rear extension.
SDNP/24/03709/HOUS: 7 Willie Cottages, South Street.	Single storey rear extension and a timber bike shed to the front.
SDNP/24/03721/HOUS:  20 Morris Road.	Single storey rear extension, demolition of rear lobby, rear dormer in association with loft conversion, solar PV panels to rear extension roof slope and fenestration alterations.
SDNP/24/03739/LIS: 5 North Street.	Conversion of shop with flat above into one single dwelling house.
SDNP/24/03878/FUL: Barber Court, St. Pancras Road:	Replace all existing white framed double- glazed windows and all curtain wall glazing to the communal areas to be replaced.
SDNP/24/03796/HOUS: 27 St Anne’s Crescent:	Erection of shed in front garden.
SDNP/24/03531/CND: 1 Hamsey Crescent:	Variation of Condition 2 (plans) relating to Planning Approval SDNP/24/01895/HOUS to include new materials such as corteen steel dormer being hung with plain tiles and removal of render on first floor level.

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Representations made on planning applications following the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 4th September 2024

01/08/24 to 29/08/24:

SDNP/24/02594/HOUS: Knowlands, St Martins Lane: Additions comprising part two storey part three storey extension to side and rear (south) elevations, roof outshot over rear / side entrance, addition of a triangular shaped terrace / balcony to the rear (south) elevation at ground floor level (note this appears as first floor level due to lower level of St Martins Lane), partly wrapping around the side (west elevation). Demolition of garage in front courtyard (fronting Stewards Inn Lane) and construction of flat roof garage / bike store, with a sliding timber door at the front, together with internal alterations.

The Friends of Lewes object to this application as there is insufficient architectural detail provided in support of the proposals. Of particular concern is the proposed use of a rain-screen cladding, which is considered to be inappropriate at this important location within the conservation area. The Society is also concerned about the lack of information regarding any proposed changes to the street scene, which could have a significant impact on immediate neighbours, both in Stewards Inn Lane to the north, and on a number of existing buildings on the east side of St Martins Lane, which overlook the application site.

SDNP/24/03187/HOUS: 7 Willie Cottages, South Street: Replacement Windows.

The Friends of Lewes object to this application as there is insufficient information provided on the detail of the replacement windows.

SDNP/24/03414/HOUS: 3 Hamsey Crescent: 2 storey side extension and loft conversion with rear dormer.

The Friends of Lewes object to this application as it would have an unacceptable impact on the street scene in Hamsey Crescent for the following reasons:-

(1) The proposed front elevation is misleading as the 2 storey side extension would abut no. 5 Hamsey Crescent, which is not illustrated.    

(2) The proposed front porch would be in front of the building line.

(3) The proposed roof to the side extension is considered to be unsatisfactory.

(4) The proposed rear dormer does not comply with the agreed design guidance to construct dormers within existing roofs.

(The Society also would like to comment that the neighbouring no.7 Hamsey Crescent is a good example of better massing of the roof profile).

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

SDNP/24/03072/HUS:  81B Western Road.	Rear integral garage conversion including replacement of door with windows, addition of rear door and replacement rear windows.
SDNP/24/03165/HOUS: 22 Ferrers Road.	Demolition of existing detached garage to side and conservatory to the rear, addition of single storey side extension, installation of raised garden patio to rear and alterations to rear fenestration.
SDNP/24/03348/LDP: 1 Hamsey Crescent.	Erection of rear ground floor extension.

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Representations made on planning applications following the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 3rd July 2024

3/6/24 to 28/6/24:

SDNP/24/02292/FUL: 64 High Street: Change of use of part of ground/lower floor 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 to create amenity space, parking and ancillary facilities.

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

(1) The Society is concerned about the proposed significant reduction of commercial floor space on the ground and lower ground floors, as the Society considers that it is important to maintain options for future commercial uses fronting the High Street at this important location.

(2) The Society acknowledges that there is potential for residential units on the first and second floors.

(3) However, the Society objects to the proposed alterations to the roof to create a new third floor for a further residential unit as this would result in an unacceptable roof profile, when viewed from a number of local vantage points, including the Castle. In this respect the Society endorses the recommendations of the Conservation Officer.

(4) It is not clear whether the two parking spaces to be retained at the rear would continue to be solely for the commercial use at ground floor, resulting in no parking provision for any of the proposed residential units.

(5) Although some provision has been made for cycle storage to the rear of the property, the space would appear to be cramped and access to the storage of individual cycles restricted.

(6) No space provided has been allocated at the rear of the property for the provision of both refuse and recycling wheelie bins for either the retained commercial use, or for the proposed residential units. In this respect, the Society suggests that the proposed amenity space be abandoned in order to avoid any wheelie bins being located in the High Street at the front of the building.

SDNP/24/01177/HOUS: 7 Berkeley Row: Single storey side extension.

The Friends of Lewes appreciate that this proposal is minor and consider it unfortunate that it would both be clearly visible from Berkley Row and limit future access to the rear garden. The Society would therefore like to suggest that it would be beneficial if the extension could be set further back from the frontage of the house and that the finish of the extension should try to match the original house. It would also be beneficial if a new access to the rear garden could be achieved via the adjacent footway to the west of the house.

SDNP/24/02347/FUL: 3 South Street: Erection of single storey rear extension, extension to the existing cellar, replacement of outrigger roof, replacement of pitched roof window, lowering of rear boundary wall and external renovation.

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

(1) This dwelling is located within Flood Zone 2 and was flooded in the 2000 Lewes Flood, together with a significant number of other buildings in the adjacent South Street / Cliffe High Street area.

(2) Within this context, the Society is concerned about any proposal to excavate below ground in this area in order to either increase the size or to lower the floor level of existing cellars, which should be used for storage purposes only and should not be considered as possible ‘habitable space’.

(3) Indeed, the Society is concerned about the impact of the proposed excavation works on adjacent buildings, in terms of both the likely vibration and the risk to structural stability.

(4) Of particular concern is no.1 South Street, (known as the Bag of Books), which is Grade II listed.

SDNP/24/02356/FUL: Liquid Studio, St Andrews lane: Conversion and extension of existing detached office building for use as a single family dwelling including construction of boundary treatments.

The Friends of Lewes are currently unable to support this application, due to the following concerns:-

(1) Whilst the retention of the existing office building is to be welcomed, the Society is not convinced that the metal structure would be capable of conversion and adaptation due to its current condition.

(2) The Society considers that the proposed design could make an interesting ‘stand alone’ scheme, but is not convinced that it would be appropriate within the Conservation Area and being located so close to a number of Grade II Listed buildings.

(3) The Society is concerned about the successful retention of a number of mature trees along the northern boundary of the site that are likely to have to be cut back during the construction process.

(4) The Society is particularly concerned about the need to successfully protect the mature lime tree on the St Andrews Lane street frontage, which is currently subject to a TPO.

(5) Given its high profile location, The Society would like the opportunity to assess the detail of the proposed elevations with the benefit of larger scale drawings.

(6) The Society is also concerned about the appropriateness of the external materials proposed within the Conservation Area, and in particular the choice of a copper standing seam roof.

(6) The Society also considers that it would be beneficial if the entrance to the proposed dwelling could be clearly visible from the St Andrews street frontage.

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

SDNP/24/02448/FUL & 02449/LIS: 1 Market Street:	Replacement of existing timber casement and sash windows with like-for-like timber units.
SDNP/24/02560/TEL: 223-224 High Street:	Installation of fixed line broadband electronic communications apparatus under Regulation 5, detailed as 60 meters cable on wall.
SDNP/24/02443/HOUS: 27 Hamsey Crescent:	Single storey rear extension to create an open plan kitchen and dining space, conversion of remaining garage storeroom, installation of Air Source Heat Pump and raised terrace deck.
SDNP/24/02433/FUL: Flat 2, 34 King Henry’s Road:	Replacement windows, one with patio door, new railings and ladder rungs to two basement lightwells and two new extract outlets.
SDNP/24/02400/LIS: 140 High Street:	Replacement of 2 no. french door sets with associated side panels and top lights to rear extension.
SDNP/24/02397/HOUS: 16 St John’s Terrace:	Replace existing single storey outrigger and conservatory with single storey extension, rear roof pitched dormer and add two conservation type windows to front roof slope and fenestration alterations.
SDNP/24/02352/HOUS: 13 Garden Street:	Replacement of all timber windows to front of property.
SDNP/24/02264/HOUS: The Red House, Rotten Row:	Part Section 73A retrospective application for replacement of rear fenestration, and application for replacement of side and rear doors and addition of 1no.window to rear.
SDNP/24/02277/HOUS: 4 Wellhouse Place:	Erection of rear dormer, alterations to rear fenestration and relocation of rear access steps.
SDNP/24/02195: 16 Cluny Street:	Erection of rear conservatory.
SDNP/24/02144/FUL: 6 Mount Street:	Replacement of 5no windows to front, side and rear elevations.
SDNP/24/02132/LIS: 187 High Street:	Refurbishment and replacement works to basements and ground floor levels of property.
SDNP/24/02066/FUL: Bowling Green, Castle Precincts:	Erection of wooden shed to store maintenance equipment, shed to be painted green.
SDNP/24/01992/FUL: Flats 3-30, Malling Close:	Replacement of doors and windows to flats 3-6, 7-18 and 19-30 including communal areas of the three blocks.
SDNP/24/01886/HOUS: 1 Manor Terrace, Potters Lane:	Replacement of existing chimney.
SDNP/24/01789/FUL: Sussex Downs College, Southover Building, Mountfield Road:	Erection of portakabin in rear car park area of South building, with separate waste and grey water tank.

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