Large Apartment Scheme for Newhaven Under Consideration

Wednesday, 7 October 2020 17:59

By Huw Oxburgh, Local Democracy Reporter

Proposals to build a large apartment complex in Newhaven are set to go before Lewes planners next week.

On Wednesday (October 14), Lewes District Council’s planning committee is set to consider an application to build a 74-unit apartment building in Clifton Road.

The proposed development would see the demolition of a bungalow and a number of other buildings connected to a car sales business currently on the site.

According to planning documents, if approved the development is set to be acquired by a housing group and would be 100 per cent social housing.

In a report recommending the proposals be approved, a council planning spokesman said:

“It is considered that the proposed development of this site … can be achieved in a manner that is sympathetic towards the character and appearance of the surrounding area and upon residential and environmental amenities.

“Suitable mitigation and management measures would be put in place in response to site constraints including flood risk and ground contamination.

“The development would also contribute a 100 per cent provision in social housing.

“It is therefore recommended that the application is approved subject to the conditions listed below and … a S106 agreement to secure local employment and training measures linked to the development.”

While recommended for approval – subject to a legal agreement – the scheme has seen objections raised by local residents.

In all the council received 13 letters of objection, which raised a number of concerns, including: inadequate parking; fears around access via Clifton Road; and its potential impact on local infrastructure.

Objectors also say it will be overbearing on nearby properties and not fit in with the surrounding area.

Similar concerns were raised by Newhaven Town Council, who also say it would have an overbearing impact on the surrounding area and the town at large.

The town council says it also believes that the number of units proposed for the site go too far beyond what was set out in the Newhaven Neighborhood Plan.

The neighbourhood plan identified the site for 28 homes, although this is considered to be a minimum number in planning policy.

The building, which would range between two and five storeys tall, would be made up of a mix of flats and maisonettes.

The majority – 65 – would be two-bedroom units, with five one-bed and four three-bed units making up the balance.

It would also have an arts studio space and a shared courtyard at its ground floor level.

The development would also have 51 on-site car parking bays, which would be accessed via a dropped kerb crossover on Clifton Road.

For further information see application reference LW/20/0291 on the Lewes District Council website.