Lewes venue and date confirmed for North Street Quarter Decision
October 12, 2015
One of the most significant planning applications submitted since the South Downs National Park came into existence will be considered at a meeting of the South Downs National Park Authority’s Planning Committee on Thursday, 10 December at County Hall in Lewes.
The North Street Quarter lies to the immediate north west of Lewes town centre. The joint owners of the site have submitted an application for its redevelopment, which would be the largest in Lewes since it became part of the National Park.
Trevor Beattie, Chief Executive of the South Downs National Park Authority, said:
“There’s been a huge amount of public interest in this application and the whole of the meeting agenda will be devoted to it.
“We share the community’s passion about the future of their town and worked with Lewes Town Council to consider a number of different venues. County Hall has been chosen as it was available on the meeting date and will allow a large number of people to attend. It offers reliable webcasting facilities so that those unable to attend can watch live online or at a time that suits them.”
As with all applications considered by the SDNPA planning committee, with up to three people or organisations able to speak in favour of the application and up to three people or organisations against it.
Due to the scale and importance of this application the SDNPA will also be inviting a number of town, district and county councillors to speak – two Town Councillors from Lewes Town Council; one District Councillor from Lewes District Council (from either Lewes Castle Ward or Lewes Bridge Ward); and one local County Councillor (from either Ringmer and Lewes Bridge Division or Lewes Division).
Neville Harrison, Chair of the SDNPA Planning Committee, said:
“This is the first time in four years that we have made the decision to hold a planning committee meeting away from our usual venue in Midhurst so that the decision can be taken close to the community. The Committee Members know the application and its context in Lewes well having visited the site on several occasions.”
At least 100 seats will be available for the public on the day in the meeting room itself and are making arrangements for overspill space. Tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Details of how to register as a speaker or to apply for tickets to attend will be released on 20 November 2015. They will be publicised on the South Downs National Park Authority’s website, through social media and the local papers will be informed.
Find out more about public participation at National Park committee meetings