Are you aware Lewes District Council are currently holding a consultation on the creation of a draft Local Plan? The online consultation can be found here. The consultation runs until the end of February 2025.
What is a Local Plan and how does it affect you?
- The Local Plan will provide the blueprint for the future of Lewes District, including Seaford until 2040.
- It has the potential to change the face of Seaford
- Sets out where future development will take place.
- Determines whether development should be restricted due to natural or heritage values.
- Has the potential to specify the types of houses built.
- It creates the policy requirements against which all future planning applications will be judged.
- A new planning bill is being proposed by Government. One of the options is to change the role of council planning committees. If this goes ahead, provided an application complies with the Local Plan, planning officers will make the decision on planning applications. There will be no consultation with elected representatives or residents. Local democracy will have no voice. This is why the Local Plan must protect the interests of Seaford, there will be no second chance.
Should you be concerned about these proposals?
It would appear that the proposed plan will aim to concentrate much new development on the coastal strip of Lewes district, comprising Seaford, Newhaven and Peacehaven. These developments will, in particular, apply to Seaford and Newhaven as these are to be classified as ‘District Centres’. District Centres are considered to have the infrastructure and services in place which can bear the pressure of the additional population that comes with new developments. These developments are required to be built at a higher densiity than the rest of the district. The question must be asked, are the facilities in our town fit for purpose and can they cope with an increase in population?
- Our GP surgeries are under great pressure.
- Sewage is being released into Seaford Bay regularly as the wastewater treatment works is unable to cope with the existing load.
- The A259 struggles to cope, especially in rush hour.
- Seaford already lacks green spaces and play areas for children.
Sites being considered for inclusion in the Local Plan.
Currently there are seven potential development sites in Seaford being considered for inclusion in the Local Plan. Two of these would be classed as major developments if they were to be built. Details of these sites can found here, the sites in Seaford start at page 467. We all know Seaford needs more well built, well planned social and affordable homes but does it really need, for example. more executive homes?.
How do you have your say on the Local Plan?
Locally there are two consultation drop-in events. The first is in Seaford at the Downs Leisure Centre on 30th January from 6pm – 9pm and at the Marine Workshops, Railway Quay at Newhaven on 8th February from 10am – 1pm. There will be Lewes District Council planning officers at these events to explain the Local Plan and to answer your questions. In addition there will be an unstaffed exhibition at the Marine Workshops, Newhaven. This will be open from 9am to 4pm Mondays to Fridays, and 9am to 3pm on Saturdays from the 3rd to the 27th February.
It is important as many people as possible engage in this consultation process.
You can submit your comments to the online consultation here.
You can also contact your Seaford Town Council councillor and your Lewes District Council councillors.
Seaford Town Council Councillors details can be found here.
Lewes District Council Councillors details can be found here.
Several groups within Seaford have set up WhatsApp groups to share information. Follow this link to join the WhatsApp community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KVMQ8WUPu9Q22xfsqfh5nZ
Celebrating Seaford 