FLOODING RISK BLIGHTS APARTMENT PLAN

A SCHEME to build 27 new apartments in two blocks by the side of the River Ouse at Lewes has been thrown out because of the risk of flooding.

A SCHEME to build 27 new apartments in two blocks by the side of the River Ouse at Lewes has been thrown out because of the risk of flooding.

Officers told Lewes District Council s planning committee on Tuesday that the site in Corporation Wharf at the bottom of North Street had inadequate river defences and was considered extremely vulnerable to future flooding.

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But agent David Collins, after the meeting, said his clients, Packham Developments, would probably appeal against the refusal.

And he warned: My clients are looking to invest in other important riverside sites in Lewes.

If they are prevented from doing this because of the negative attitude of the Environment Agency, then the future economic development of the town will be blighted.

This decision is going to shape the future for the town.

However officers on Tuesday pointed out that in order for the Environment Agency to withdraw its opposition, a new flood defence would need to be constructed along the length of the Ouse, probably from the wetland adjacent to the Pells area down to central Lewes.

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And they added: While certain works can take place within the site to alleviate flooding to the development, this can create other problems such as reduction of flood capacity and fast-flowing flood water crossing the site.

The Agency s view is that there needs to be a strategic approach for new flood defences in the area as a whole before new development such as this is permitted.

Councillors on Tuesday were sympathetic to the merits of the scheme but agreed with their officers that, in the light of the Agency s objection, it should be refused.

Published: 5.7.01 Sussex Newspapers Ltd