Plans to demolish Lewes bus station get approval

The South Downs National Park Authority has approved plans to demolish Lewes bus station

Plans to demolish a former bus station and replace it with housing have been approved.

On Thursday the South Downs National Park Authority's planning committee voted to demolish the structure.

Developer the Generator Group has been given permission to build three houses, 32 flats and 198 sq ms (650 sq ft) of commercial floorspace.

The plans had been opposed by some local councillors and residents, with a campaign launched to save the bus station.

Speaking after the meeting, Green Party member of East Sussex County Council Wendy Maples said: "The National Park has missed a golden opportunity to reject this over-development and to support the Bus Station.

"Instead it has voted in favour of a dangerous bus interchange alternative on either side of a busy road outside of the town centre."

The development was also opposed by Lewes Town Council, which organised a bus to take protestors to the meeting in Midhurst.

'Much needed housing'

Mike Hughes, planning director of the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “It’s a complex application for a key brownfield site that has been allocated for development for over a decade, including most recently in the South Downs Local Plan.

“We understand bus services and good infrastructure are a priority for local people and that’s why there is a very detailed and robust legal agreement attached to the planning permission, with a substantial financial contribution to help deliver the high-quality and safe bus infrastructure the town needs.

“This development will make use of a brownfield site, delivering much needed housing and commercial opportunities for the town and local communities.”

The Generator Group has been contacted for comment.

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