Lewes Town Council has voiced its deep disappointment following the decision by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government not to call in the controversial planning application for the former Lewes Bus Station site.

“Despite widespread local opposition, the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA)’s Planning Committee approved the application by the Generator Group in September. 

“The Town Council has consistently emphasised the significance of this site, both as a transport hub and a heritage asset integral to the character of Lewes.

“Councillors and residents alike are concerned about the implications for sustainable transport and community cohesion. Our concerns are centered on the lack of adequate replacement bus facilities, which fail to meet the community’s needs.  

“We wrote to the Secretary of State to express how appalled we are at the decision, and to ask her to consider what we consider serious breaches of planning policy. We raised concerns about the precedent that will be set for future accessibility of public transport all over the country. It is therefore extraordinarily disappointing to see that the application will not be called in. 

“Although there is currently no agreed way forward, the Town Council remains committed to advocating for developments that align with our Neighbourhood Plan and the broader needs of the Lewes community, including robust public transport infrastructure.”