Lewes Councillors Grant Approval for Newhaven Housing Development

Lewes councillors have given their approval for plans to construct up to 400 new residences in Newhaven. The planning committee of Lewes District Council sanctioned outline proposals for development on land at Harbour Heights. The project entails the demolition and subsequent redevelopment of the Quarry Road Industrial Estate, along with plans for residential construction on greenfield land situated to its west. The application specifically sought outline permission, meaning that all aspects except for access will require further planning consent at a later stage. This outline permission covers the establishment of two access routes via Quarry Road and Court Farm Road. It also provides in-principle approval for building up to 400 homes and creating 1,477 square metres of commercial floorspace. Despite its considerable scale, the development is not guaranteed to incorporate any affordable housing, due to “abnormal costs” associated with the site, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The absence of affordable housing was a frequent concern among those who opposed the scheme, as was its potential impact on Newhaven’s infrastructure. James MacCleary, the MP for Lewes and a ward councillor for Newhaven South, stated: “Newhaven is in desperate need of new affordable homes but this development does not help in that regard.” He added, “The lack of affordable housing alone should be reason for refusal.” In response, officers indicated that affordable housing provisions would be kept under review as the scheme progresses, allowing actual build costs and sales prices to be considered. This process, officers explained, could lead to affordable housing being incorporated into the scheme at a later date.