Lewes-based developer Rees Elliott caused uproar in May when it revealed plans to build flats, shops, a restaurant, cafe and a four-and-a-half storey office block on the site.

A planning application was never lodged with the district council but the proposal attracted criticism from residents living in the area.
Last week Martin Elliott, a partner of Rees Elliott, told the Express plans were on hold until the New Year.

But Hamish Elder, the joint managing director of Harveys, said the developer did not complete the deal to buy the land and the brewery was looking at different uses for the site.

Mr Elder said: 'They (Rees Elliott) had exchanged contracts and the contract has now technically expired and they have not completed on the contract.

'I dare say we will now be looking for alternative uses for the site.'
The Express asked if he had any ideas for what the site could be used for.

Mr Elder said: 'The way the world is its shaping up at the moment it's not clear but we are keeping all options open.'

In response to Mr Elder's comments Rees Elliott said it was still interested in the site.

Martin Elliott said: 'We are still in discussion with Harveys about a number of different options

'We will have another meeting with Harveys in the two few or three weeks time and after that I'll know a little bit more.

'It's fair to say that we and Harveys ar looking at all options for the site.

'We, and the planners, are very keen that the site is developed in some shape or form and we need to find something that will tick all the boxes, or at least most of them.'

The Express asked Mr Elliott if he had any ideas for the site.

He said: 'I think some sort of mixed-use scheme, which was what our plan was, but maybe it needs to be simplified, it was quite a complicated proposal we put forward. '