Lewes blueprint for the future ... the votes are in

The Lewes Neighbourhood Plan sets out a long-term vision for the county town

The result of the Referendum on the Lewes Neighbourhood Plan has been revealed.

Voting took place yesterday (Thursday, March 7) and it has emerged that 92 per cent were in favour of it being adopted.

There was a turnout of 24.83 of the electorate, with 2,993 in favour of the Plan and 268 against. There were 15 spoilt ballot papers.

The Plan sets out a vision for the town through to 2033, guiding future development.

The overwheming majority of voting papers sais 'Yes'

In Lewes the intention is to:

- Preserve the character of the town

- Sustain both the community and the environment

- Use previously developed land for future housing

- Find ways to provide low-cost housing

- Preserve historic features, and

- Protect green spaces and the natural environment.

Following the result, Cllr Graham Mayhew said: “This is an excellent result for Lewes and a high turnout for the Neighbourhood Plan. The town owes an enormous debt to all those involved on the Steering Group who I know were delighted.

“This Plan will help ensure Lewes’s environment and architectural heritage is preserved for future generations, while going as far as legally allowed in encouraging genuine low cost and social housing for Lewes people wherever possible.”