Traders group backs controversial development

Lewes Chamber of Commerce, which represents more than 100 businesses, met with Charles Style, the developer who wants to build 600 homes, shops, offices, restaurants and a cinema in the area of North Street and the Phoenix Industrial Estate.

David Quinn, chamber president, said the development would be good for the town and future generations.

Mr Quinn told the Express: 'In principal we are in favour.

'I think the town has to move forward, this area will be developed and we feel its something which will benefit the next generation of people living in Lewes.

'It has a cinema and the multi-storey car park we are desperate for.

It'll mean more people living in the town and more people using the town's shops.'

Mr Quinn said Mr Style has gone to 'considerable lengths' to change his plans to address people's concerns, including reducing the number of houses planned (from 775 to 600) and changing the size and layout of his plans.

Mr Quinn said: 'The riverside with its restaurants, pubs and cinema looks good.

'I know it's a flood plan but the none of the houses will be on ground level and the area has only been flooded twice in 50 years.

'I think most people living in Lewes are in favour of the town moving forward but there is a small majority which doesn't want it to happen.'

Mr Style has also met with the planning committee of the Friends of Lewes, a charity which exists to protect the character and appearance of Lewes.

Robert Cheeseman, chairman of Friends of Lewes, said: 'Mr Style presented the revisions to his proposals and we asked a number of questions.

'We agree with the concept of re-developing the Phoenix Industrial Estate but until we see a detailed plan we can't say anything about it.

'We don't have any problems with the idea but the design has to be good and has to integrate within the site and it has to have flood prevention measures.'