COUNCIL STILL BACKS ROOKS

The message of support comes after the council's planning committee this week turned down a planning application to demolish a flint wall, which forms part of the boundard to the Dripping Pan ground.

The application was being made by the district council.

A council spokesman said:

'Lewes District Council has been working for some considerable time with Lewes Football Club to help it achieve its plans for the ground at the Dripping Pan in Lewes.

'It remains committed following the decision taken last night by the planning applications committee. They refused planning permission for part demolition of the flint boundary wall abutting the ground and provision of a replacement flint wall including gated emergency access, turnstile and footpath at the Dripping Pan, Ham Lane, Lewes.

'The proposed works, as outlined in the application, were refused because the lowering of the wall and removal of the bank, both important topographical and archaeological features, would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and compromise the integrity of the wall.'

Cllr Liz Lee, Lead Member for Community at Lewes District Council said:

'Naturally I am disappointed because this application would have provided a solution for the club and the community, but it is not the only solution.

'We have an ongoing dialogue with the club and are already working on alternative arrangements to enable the planned works that the club need to meet Nationwide Conference league standards to go ahead.'

Martin Elliott, Managing Director of Lewes Football Club said:'The Board of Lewes Football Club are disappointed but not surprised at the planning committee's decision to refuse the planning application submitted by Lewes District Council for proposed works to the Ham Lane Wall.

'We continue to work closely with the council and the other concerned parties to find a long term solution. In the meantime we are in the process of agreeing the works that will be carried out during this closed season alongside the rest of the Ground Redevolpment works already scheduled for commencement.'

Whilst the proposal in the planning application would have been a good community solution, there is also a view that the wall should remain as it is.

This ownership of this boundary wall is not known.

English Heritage recently came to assess the wall following an application for it to be listed. Its decision is expected soon and this will influence the future options that are available.

Parts of the wall are considered to be in a poor state of repair and one part has collapsed. Lewes District Council believes that further sections of the wall might be in danger of collapsing during the next couple of years. It is normally the responsibility of the owner to maintain flint walls, but in the absence of any known owner the Council is keen to find an acceptable community solution to the problem, whilst meeting the needs of Lewes Football Club.