Plans for Harveys depot revealed

Developer Rees Elliott has unveiled plans to redevelop the site which was sold by Harveys last year.

But the plans have already run into opposition from residents in Lansdown Road who say it's 'too much in too small a space'.

They are also unhappy that only five car parking spaces have been aside for the whole development.

The plans include three new building including a four-and-a-half storey 16 metre (52.6ft) tall office block which will look out over Station Road. Shops and a cafe would be at ground level.

Also planned are 17 flats including five residential/work units which could house local craftsman, and a restaurant and a 'Needlemakers-style' market hall in the existing old depot building, which could be converted to include a mezzanine floor.

Harveys has given permission for the use its name for the development and Martin Elliott, a partner in Rees Elliott, said it would be something for the town to be 'proud of'.

Architects said it had been designed with sustainability in mind and was not another example of 'poor development' in Lewes.

Mr Elliott told the Express: 'Hopefully we're tabling something which is a fresh and exciting approach for this site.

'We have really pulled out all the stops with this one and have carried out a lot of consultation.

'It's a bit of everything but not a huge amount of anything.'

The plans also feature a courtyard. Mr Elliott said he was in negotiation with the organisers of Lewes Farmers Market, who he said could use the site on a regular basis.

A public consultation will take place on May 29 and June 3 on the site and the developer hopes to lodge a planning application with Lewes District Council in July.