Pledge to listen

Residents have complained about the size of the planned development and are expected to oppose the planning application to Lewes District Council.

MP Norman Baker said some residents are begining to think the development of the town centre is getting 'out of control'.

Lewes-based developer Rees Elliott has insisted it will listen to feedback from the public before it lodges an application, while the chairman of the Friends of Lewes has said the blueprint is a 'sensible use of the land'.

Annabel Cole, a Lansdown Place resident, said: 'I overlook the site and I think it's terrible.

'When we saw the plans we all thought they were totally inappropriate.

'It just doesn't fit in with the beautiful station nearby.

'I think it's too high and too much for the site.

'I will certainly oppose the application.'

Pru Rowntree, a spokesperson for Lansdown Residents Association, said: 'This is breathtaking in its scale. It's unbelievable.

'How can it be justified to take away the light from the houses backing on to it?

'Can Pinwell Lane take the volume of traffic generated and does Lewes really need more cafes and office blocks?

'Where is there the need for these facilities rather than a developer's flight of fancy?'

Martin Elliott, a partner in Rees Elliott, said the views of residents will be taken into account before a planning application is made.

Two open evenings will be held at the site to discuss residents' opinions of the plans.

The first was due to take place yesterday (Thursday) evening and the second is planned for June 3 between 6pm and 8pm.

Mr Elliott said: 'We are holding a public exhibition in the next couple of weeks.

'We will take the comments from the public and speak to the planners and move on from there.'

Robert Cheesman, the chairman of Friends of Lewes, said: 'In my view it's a sensible use of the land.

'If we had one concern it would be the building facing Pinwell Road looks like a multi-storey car park and I think we felt the design of that needed to be changed.'

MP Norman Baker said: 'There are increasing concerns in Lewes at what appears, in the minds of residents, to be over-development in the town.

'And there is a feeling that development in the town centre is out of control.

'Obviously the district council has to receive applications from developers but there is a danger we will weaken the town centre.'