Homes in former Lewes school’s playground approved

On Wednesday (September 2), Lewes District Council’s planning committee approved proposals to build three houses to the rear of Grade II listed Lewes New School in Talbot Terrace.

The approved scheme involves the demolition of a non-original extension and outbuildings, but would not see any material changes to the listed school buildings (also formerly known as Pells County Primary School).

While approved on a majority vote, the scheme had seen a number of concerns raised by residents.

In a written submission on behalf of several neighbours, local resident Rosalyn Hayles said: “I know local objections to planning developments are often simple nimbyisms. 

“However, none of the neighbours object to the development of this site in principle. It is these proposals which cause such alarm.

“Amongst the objectors are those who have owned their homes for decades, led the campaign to keep Pells Pool open and/or are major contributors to the forthcoming book celebrating the history of Pells in its centenary year. 

“We are genuinely very concerned about the impact on the conservation area of granting this application.” 

This argument was disputed by several committee members however, including Conservative councillor for Ditchling and Westmeston Tom Jones.

He said: “Can we afford really, in the face of such a housing need, to ignore land which comes up purely because it is listed?

“I don’t think what is being proposed has impacted unduly on the state or the purpose of the school. I think both sit admirably side by side in that respect.

“I am minded to propose that we accept this application for approval.”

However, concerns about this approach were raised by ward councillor Milly Manley (Green, Lewes Castle), who said: “I would just like to note that these are premium properties and I think a significant proportion of residents in this ward would really like to see affordable homes.

“They actually need affordable homes, and not just affordable homes but council homes.

“I think in this area that is something I would like to see.”

Cllr Manley had also argued that the houses should be made car-free by conditions, due to a lack of sufficient parking and the development’s proximity to public transport.

Following further discussion the application was approved by six votes to two.

The application specifies that the three houses would sit in a terraced row, with two of the houses standing taller as they would have an additional bedroom within their roof spaces.

In application documents, the applicant says the remaining school buildings are potentially set to be bought by a “well-known Lewes-based spiritual and community organisation”. 

The applicant says this group currently occupies a listed building in Station Street and has been looking for a larger premises for some years.

While not specified in the application documents, the description is a good fit for The Lewes Subud Centre. This was confirmed during the committee meeting.

Even if this sale does not go ahead, the applicant says there remains a demand to rent the space within the building, which would not be affected by the building of the houses.

Built in 1896 and designed by the architect Richard Creed, Lewes New School is a Grade II listed building.

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