Proposals for the redevelopment of the Meridian Centre in Peacehaven revealed

Residents are being asked to have their say on the initial plans for the site, which will see the existing Meridian Centre demolished and a new facility built.

The scheme includes new housing but has shopping and ‘a new centre’ at its heart, according to developer Henry Davidson Developments.

A new Co-Op will be built and a retail parade for small, independent traders will be created, with apartments above.

Between the parade and Community House, which will be retained, developers have proposed a new public square where weekend markets and other events could take place.

There would be two blocks of housing for elderly people at the site, as well as a cluster of two to three-bed homes.

A new library is included in the plans, along with a cafe with outdoor seating and possibly a restaurant too.

Residents are being asked to submit their comments on the scheme by April 5.

Henry Davidson Developments said it had had extensive discussions with the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group and Peacehaven Town Council over the plans, and said: “While the Town Council have expressed reservations

about some elements of the draft proposals, we want to obtain the views of the wider community before considering our next steps.”

The plans have already met with criticism from two local labour councillors, Chris Collier and Christine Robinson, who described them as ‘a massive, wasted opportunity’.

Chris Collier, Lewes District Councillor for Peacehaven East and Cabinet Member for People and Performance, said: “The scheme could not be further from what we need in the town.

“With one road in and one road out the last thing we need is to remove our town centre.

“I was elected following the approval for Chalkers Rise, and have spent a lot of time trying to deal with the impact of that.

“For another site to come forward with more town houses, and two lots of elderly housing, is not anything I can see anyone who lives here agreeing with.

“I would strongly urge all residents to complete the consultation and let them know what they think”

Christine Robinson, Lewes District Councillor for East Saltdean and Telscombe, said: “The Meridian Centre serves a huge area, I live in Telscombe and use it most days.

“How will out already over-stretched single doctor’s surgery cope? What about school places?

“With a growing population how can they possible look to reduce the library and amenities.

“Peacehaven and Telscombe are in desperate need of infrastructure.”

Henry Davidson Developments is looking to complete the redevelopment scheme in the next two years and expects to submit a detailed planning application for the site in summer 2021.

To see the proposals in full and have your say, visit www.hddmeridiancentre.co.uk