Give your views on our council’s air quality plan

Everyone is being invited to have their say on the draft District Council proposals to improve air quality across Lewes District over the next four years, including plans for traffic management and alternatives to private vehicle use. The deadline for comments is Friday 16 May.

Air pollution is associated with a number of adverse health impacts and is recognised as a contributing factor in the onset of heart disease and cancer. Additionally, air pollution particularly affects the most vulnerable in society: children and older people, and those with heart and lung conditions. 

That’s why the new draft Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) for Lewes District features actions covering the entire district – with a specific focus on Newhaven and Lewes town centres, which are both designated ‘Air Quality Management Areas’ due to their high levels of traffic pollution.

Councillor Emily O’Brien, Cabinet Member for Climate, Nature and Food Systems, said: “Improving air quality is one of our key priorities and this draft plan contains tangible steps to protect the health of our residents and create a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone.”

Five air quality themes

The draft AQAP focuses on five themes: alternatives to private vehicle use; promoting travel alternatives; public information; transport planning and infrastructure; and traffic management.

Projects delivered under previous action plans include the Beddingham Crossing improvements, the Lewes Town Centre 20mph zone, the Living Cliffe pedestrian zone in Cliffe High Street, and improved cycling facilities across the district.

It is estimated that the costs of air pollution in England to health and social care services could reach £18.6 billion in the next decade so it’s essential that action is taken as pressure on levels of traffic and congestion rises.

How to give feedback

Residents, businesses and stakeholders are encouraged to read the draft Air Quality Action Plan at lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/AQAPconsultation and provide feedback through an online survey.

The consultation will run until 5pm on Friday 16 May. Following a review of feedback given during the consultation, the AQAP is expected to be adopted from summer 2025.

Respond to the consultation by Friday 16 May here: lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/AQAPconsultation