Top councillors blistering attack on development plan

Cllr Ann De Vecchi, leader of the Lib Dem controlled district council, said plans for flats, offices, shops, cafe and restaurant on the site should be 'thrown in the rubbish bin'.

The plans unveiled last month by Lewes-based developer Rees Elliott have already provoked a considerable amount of public criticism.

In recent months Lewes District Council has also come under fire for its planning policies in Lewes.

Residents have criticised the number of flats which have been or are about to be built in the town and more than 300 people took part in a protest march through the town, against overdevelopment in Lewes.

Cllr De Vecchi said:'Councillors who are on the planning committee will have to wait until an application is made before they can make a decision.

'However, I am not on the planning committee so I am at liberty to speak my mind and say that what I have seen is dreadful and should never be built on this visually prominent town centre site.

'The historic core of Lewes needs sensitive designs, not spin off from the rejected plans for Terminal Five at Heathrow.

'Lewes must accept new development when sites become vacant but developers have to respect the history and character of the town and not think that they can cram sites with inappropriate buildings to push up land values.

'I hope that developers Rees Elliott have the good sense to listen to what local people have to say and throw these designs in the rubbish bin where they belong.'

Martin Elliott, a partner in Rees Elliott, declined to comment on Cllr De Vecchi's criticisms, but reaffirmed the company commitment to listen to public opinion.

He said: 'We held a consultation evening last night (June 3) and have a box of people's comments.

'We will collate those views and in the next two to three weeks we'll make some sort of decision of how we'll continue.'

Mr Elliott said he did not know when a planning application would be made and said a further consultation period would follow if any amendments were made to the plan.