June 13 2012.

Lewes District Council has confirmed that it proposes to sell an area of land of approximately 8.93 hectares on Lewes Road, Newhaven for a potential hotel development and is now seeking the views of residents and the wider public on its plans.

The Council claims that it wants to seize this potential opportunity for investment that it says will bring employment and business to the town. The proposal is stated to be in line with the Council's Property Strategy which identifies Newhaven for regeneration and growth by maximising council assets.

Councillor James Page, Leader of Lewes District Council said: "We recognise that there is a delicate balance between creating jobs and opportunities and current recreational use of the land. This is why it is so important for people to give us their views as part of the current consultation process. Those views will help the Council in arriving at a decision as to whether to sell."

You can write to:

Nilam Popat,
Corporate Head,
Communities & Enterprise,
Southover House,
Southover Road,
Lewes
BN7 1AB

or email lucy.knott@lewes.gov.uk by 12pm on Wednesday 20 June 2012. That is just one week away.... 

The next stage of the process is for the Council to consider all representations made through the consultation procedure following the deadline of 20th June. The Council will then make its decision. 

LDC says there will be opportunities in the future for further consultation.

The proposed hotel development requires planning permission and a separate consultation procedure. Pending grant of planning permission and commencement of development, the land will continue to be used for recreational purposes. To protect the public interest, the Council would retain the right to take the land back in the event that the development is not substantially completed.

In addition LDC claims to be sourcing alternative open spaces that can provide enhanced recreational activities in better locations for local people and working with Newhaven Town Council and others to deliver the best for the local community.

LDC say that this is a real opportunity to secure much needed private investment into the town and look forward to receiving the views of local people so that they can make the best informed decision. LDC claims it aims to strike a delicate balance between preserving local facilities and seizing opportunities that bring about regeneration and prosperity for Newhaven.

To view the regeneration strategy for Lewes district: 2012-2015 - highlighting Newhaven, visit: www.lewes.gov.uk/Files/plan_regeneration_strategy_newhaven.doc.pdf 


HAVE YOUR SAY - IS THIS A POSITIVE PLAN FOR THE FUTURE? IS THERE A HIDDEN AGENDA? HOW LONG HAS THIS BEEN UNDER CONSIDERATION? ONLY ONE WEEK TO STATE YOUR VIEW? WHO GAINS THE MOST FROM THE DEAL? - Write to news@haven-news.com