Phoenix Development Public Meeting

At the original exhibition in September 2005 for what he was pleased to call 'The Phoenix Quarter', Charles Style said he'd be submitting a planning application ‘next month’. Since then, Angel Property's plans for 800 densely packed homes and a large shopping and office development have drifted for 18 months or so. Meanwhile, other developers have emerged with plans for a further 450 homes and shops on major sites around the centre of Lewes. Barrett's are exhibiting plans for 50+ flats and some shops on the Wenban-Smith site in the Town Hall on 9 March. What's up? Why is it suddenly open season in Lewes? Is our Council getting a reputation for being a soft touch - or are they just overwhelmed? Perhaps, with the impending transfer of planning to the National Park Authority developers think things may get a bit tougher?
The Council is consulting a small and unrepresentative selection of 'key stakeholders' just about the Phoenix. Lewes Flood Action, Malling Residents and Phoenix Action feel the consultation needs to be broadened and they have arranged a public meeting so the townspeople can have their say too. Major changes to the centre of the Town will affect the quality of life for everyone. Is this the dawn of 'Lewes, Clone Town' or a chance for a much-loved old lady to make something of herself? Is the flood protection that comes with the scheme a welcome bonus or a futile gesture in the face of predicted sea level rise that will just make things worse in Landport and Malling? JS