COUNCILLORS have expressed outrage at plans to install a large illuminated digital billboard, which would use more electricity than 11 homes.

An application, submitted to planners at the South Downs National Park Authority, would see an existing billboard by the BP garage on Malling Street in Lewes replaced with a back-lit screen more than six metres wide and more than three metres high.

However, Green Party councillors in Lewes have objected to the proposal, describing the move as “wholly inappropriate” and claiming it would pose a threat to road safety and disturb wildlife.

The Argus: The digital billboard would be more than six metres wide and more than three metres high if plans are approvedThe digital billboard would be more than six metres wide and more than three metres high if plans are approved

Councillor Adrian Ross, who represents Bridge ward on Lewes District Council, said: “This proposal is completely unsuitable for a historic market town in the middle of a national park.

“If approved, the plans would spoil views, change the character of a historic neighbourhood, reduce road safety, disturb wildlife and increase carbon dioxide emissions.”

Councillor Matthew Bird, a cabinet member for sustainability on the council, echoed Cllr Ross’ concerns and said: “This display would use more electricity than at least 11 households. When electricity bills are already sky-high, and during a climate emergency, installing power-hungry advertising is wholly inappropriate.”

Councillor Johnny Denis, councillor for Ringmer and Lewes Bridge on East Sussex County Council, said that the proposed site of the illuminated billboard is next to a “dangerous junction”.

He said: “There have already been accidents at this location and a distracting, bright, changing screen would significantly increase the risk at this site."

The Argus: What the billboard currently looks like, left, and what the digital billboard would look like if approvedWhat the billboard currently looks like, left, and what the digital billboard would look like if approved

The councillors are calling on residents to get in touch with the South Downs National Park Authority and oppose the proposals. 

They claim such action could prevent the billboard from being granted permission, as a similar application for a digital billboard in December 2020, which would have opposite the Elephant and Castle pub in White Hill in Lewes, was withdrawn after over 160 objections were submitted.

The party’s campaign has already attracted more than 150 letters.

Planning proposals, submitted by Global, claim the LED poster screen would be subject to strict controls to ensure that there is no adverse impact on highway safety and that the advertising screen is of an appropriate size and scale for its location.