OUSE MOORINGS CONCERN

Oakfinch Ltd wants permission to build fixed timber landing stages to help the mooring of boats parallel with the river bank to the south of tightly-terraced South Street.

But local resident Brendan Parsons told the committee: 'The river is the pulsating heart of the town.

'The river is loved by all but this company seeks only profit.'

Lewes Rowing Club secretary Colin Hooker said there was little detail in the application about the size and type of the boats to be moored along the 150-metre stretch. And the moorings appeared flimsy when compared to the strength of the tidal currents in the river.

Materials such as fallen trees floated up and down the river. They could become blocked up among the boats and impede the current, he added. The opposite bank, a nature reserve and water meadow, could also be affected.

Cllr Ruth O'Keeffe said the scheme did not seem to take into account the tidal flow of the river. Neither did it take seriously the parking facilities needed for the boats.

Cllr Rod Crocker said the boat owners, carrying heavy materials such as fuel, would not park in South Street but on the main road into the tunnel.

Cllr Merlin Milner pointed out that the moored boats could interfere with the annual Lewes to Newhaven raft race.

The committee agreed to express 'serious concern' about the scheme to the planning authority on the grounds of traffic difficulties, lack of toilets, the effect on the river and the size of boats using the proposed moorings.