Having your say on the Local Plan (and why it matters)
The South Downs National Park’s latest and final consultation on its Local Plan finishes on Thursday 23 June. Lewes-based planning expert Andrew Simpson explains why it matters for the future of Lewes and how to have your say.
The National Park’s final consultation on its Local Plan is now underway, with a deadline for responses of 23.59 on Thursday 23 June!
This is the big one! If you want to have a real influence on the future development of Lewes Town over the next 15 to 20 years, now is your chance – here’s where you can comment:
Once this consultation round is done, it’s over to a government inspector in early 2027 who will “examine” the Local Plan over a couple of weeks of public hearings.
After that, the Plan will be adopted with no more changes for another five years. If you want to be at the hearings you must submit your thoughts NOW!
And this time only thoughts on the “soundness and legal compliance” of the draft proposals are being requested. What does that mean? The link below explains all:
https://southdowns-consult.objective.co.uk
So, if you think we shouldn’t be building houses in the flood plain, now is your chance to say so.
If you think we should have a town-wide plan for managing sewage and surface water drainage, now is your chance to ask.
If you think we need more affordable houses and workspace in Lewes this is your opportunity to put your case!
And if you want to discuss in more detail and find out how to go about putting over your points in the most effective way, then join me at the Lewes Climate Hub coffee morning, 11am on Wednesday 10 June. Look forward to seeing you there!