Heavyweights lobby over development

INFLUENTIAL local figures are pressing Lewes District Council to reconsider its preferred development for the Lewes House Site.

They include Baroness Andrews of Southover High Street, Lord Briggs of Keere Street, David Hutchinson of Southover High Street, Sir Richard Jolly of Southover High Street and Peter Mettyear of Paine s Twitten.

They have written to the council, which meets on Wednesday to make a decision on the housing scheme, to say: 'This development is an irrevocable decision, which will determine the shape and character of the site for centuries. It will be a major legacy of this council.

'The report to the Cabinet by Councillor J. Ost on December 19 recommends Ash Mill Developments to be the preferred development partner. This proposal was accepted by the Cabinet.

'However, this same report says that the bid by Angel Property "offers much the highest quality of urban design and accords most closely with the approved Development Brief."

'Furthermore, the Angel Property scheme "has the highest degree of support from public consultation. Its imaginative design and its integration with the historic character of the town are seen by the public as the main points in its favour."

'We applaud the extensive efforts made by the council to inform and consult with the public. However, the expressed opinions, both of individuals and of the Friends of Lewes, seem to have been ignored.

'The proposal presented by Angel Properties offers varied and interesting building and garden shapes, underground parking, a larger number of social housing units, including lifts for the elderly, and an overall layout which follows the council s guidelines to respect the town s Saxon twittens.

'Angel Property seems the obvious choice. Indeed, a potentially award-winning architectural development could enhance the town s attraction, both for residents and for visiting tourists.