'VISION' FOR PHOENIX AREA

The council is launching a process whereby, over the next few months, the future of the North Street area will be discussed with key stakeholders, such as local community groups and business, environmental and cultural interests.

The area is the subject of the "Phoenix Quarter" development proposals, being prepared by Angel Properties, which will also be involved in the process.

The Planning Vision will feed into the new Local Development Framework (LDF) for the Lewes District, which the council is drawing up and which will guide development in the area over the next twenty years or so. It will also provide a basis for the consideration of any future planning applications.

"The North Street area could play an important role in providing more sustainable development over coming years. As local planning authority, the District Council needs to take a leading role in setting a framework for development which best meets local needs," said Councillor David Neighbour, Lewes District Council Lead Member for Planning.

"We plan to work with key stakeholders to develop a Planning Vision for the area, covering key issues for the town and district, including flood defence, transport, housing, employment, climate change and sustainability. We aim to build a broad consensus on the contribution the site can make to the future development needs of Lewes and the wider area. This will include discussions with both local community groups and developers".