Development of 400 homes approved by councillors

The application had only been seeking outline permission, with all issues other than access requiring further planning consent at a later stage

Plans to build up to 400 new homes in Newhaven have been given the green light by Lewes councillors.

Lewes District Council's planning committee approved outline proposals to develop land at Harbour Heights.

The scheme involves the demolition and redevelopment of the Quarry Road Industrial Estate, as well as plans for house-building on greenfield land to its west.

The application had only been seeking outline permission, with all issues other than access requiring further planning consent at a later stage.

'Abnormal costs'

The outline permission would cover the creation of two access routes via Quarry Road and Court Farm Road, as well as in-principle approval to build up to 400 homes and to create 1,477 square metres of commercial floorspace.

Despite its scale, the development is not guaranteed to include any affordable housing, due to the "abnormal costs" associated with the site, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The lack of affordable housing was a common cause for concern among those who objected to the scheme, as well as its potential impact on Newhaven's infrastructure.

'Desperate need'

The MP for Lewes, James MacCleary, who is also a ward councillor for Newhaven South, said: "Newhaven is in desperate need of new affordable homes but this development does not help in that regard.

"The lack of affordable housing alone should be reason for refusal."

In response, officers said affordable housing would be kept under review as the scheme progresses and actual build costs and sales prices could be taken into account.

This could result in affordable housing being added into the scheme at a later date, officers said.