Lewes District Council has opened up a public consultation phase for its upcoming local plan. This engagement process, integral for shaping the district’s future, offers a significant opportunity for developers and investors to contribute to the planning of new homes, employment spaces, and community facilities.

The spatial strategy and policies document, central to this consultation, serves as a blueprint for guiding appropriate development within the district. The council emphasises that the draft plans are founded on robust evidence, collated meticulously by council officers, to ensure that development aligns with the district’s sustainable growth objectives.

Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council, underscores the importance of community involvement in this process. The council is currently assessing various sites, with the eventual outcome hinging on a thorough examination by the government’s planning inspector. This meticulous approach ensures that any development aligns with the genuine sustainability goals of the Lewes district.

The draft local plan, as explained by Councillor Laurence O’Connor, Cabinet Member for Planning, transcends beyond a mere roadmap for physical development. It incorporates a comprehensive set of policies informed by extensive evidence, shaping the council’s decisions on future planning applications.

An interesting facet of this development initiative is the government-mandated annual housing target, which for the Lewes district stands at 602 homes per year. However, the council’s evidence suggests a more realistic figure of 210 homes annually, pointing towards a measured and sustainable development approach.

The consultation process is comprehensive, including public events, online platforms for feedback, social media engagement, webinars for parish councils, and accessible documentation in key locations. This extensive outreach ensures broad-based community participation, crucial for the plan’s success.