Planning
Lewes Neighbourhood Plan
A Neighbourhood Plan for Lewes was adopted as policy (“made”), in April 2019, by the planning authority for Lewes – South Downs National Park Authority. The Plan is based upon contributions of visitors to our exhibitions and workshops over four years, and the work done by the community representatives who formed our steering group during that period. Policies on themes such as transport and protection of the town’s heritage; potential sites for new homes and ideas for design, with supporting arguments, were refined in light of YOUR comments following various periods of consultation etc. We also consulted with statutory bodies such as Lewes District Council; East Sussex County Council; South Downs National Park Authority; the Environment Agency; Natural England; Historic England and others
Thank you to all those who contributed – your feedback informed the production of a Neighbourhood Plan that will help us to influence decisions on the development of Lewes up to 2033.
Lewes Neighbourhood Plan – it’s a resounding “YES!”
The statutory referendum votes on our Neighbourhood Plan on Friday 8th March 2019 showed that the community has registered a very loud “Yes!” to the question:
“Do you want the South Downs National Park Authority to use the neighbourhood development plan for the Parish of Lewes to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”
Just under 25% of the electorate (3276) turned out to vote, for which we thank you, and the result was
YES = 2993 NO= 268 Spoiled papers 15
That means that 92% voted ‘Yes’ and only 8% voted ‘No’
Lewes Mayor (2018-19), Cllr Janet Baah, said at the time: “This is a fantastic result. The Plan started with a launch event in February 2013, so it has been a long and sometimes slow road, but this shows confidence in our belief that it has been one well worth travelling. If you voted ‘no’ – we hope that you will start to see the real benefit of the Plan as it must now be used as a statutory reference by developers; planning officers, and planning committees, before deciding planning applications in the parish. It also means that the town is entitled to a much greater share of Community Infrastructure Levy funds which can pay for a wide range of useful projects.”
To all those who helped us develop the Plan – Thank you!
If you are wondering what you missed – you can read all about the Plan on the South Downs National Park Authority website, which can be accessed by clicking this link: Lewes Neighbourhood Plan – South Downs National Park Authority
We posted the plan and the history of its development on lewes4all.uk