Developer terminates licence for bus operations at Lewes Bus Station

Notice for Lewes Bus Station in Eastgate Street, Lewes, was served by the owners, The Generator Group, last week.

It means all bus services are to cease at the site by Friday, September 16.

Lewes Liberal Democrat councillors have slammed the decision, claiming there is no alternative location for another bus station agreed.

Temporary bus stops will be put in place in School Hill and Friars Walk.

The bus station was built in 1954 and is in Eastgate Street

Town councillor Dr Janet Baah said: “The Generator Group has jumped the gun by evicting the bus companies without a suitable alternative arrangement being in place. And, with no planning permission, why the haste?

“The central, flat location of the bus station on Eastgate Street is vital for people to access local businesses and services in Lewes, with space and shelter for waiting and boarding.

"The options put on the table by the Generator Group would see passengers queueing in the wind and rain on Phoenix Causeway.”

South Downs National Park, which has marked the site as a brownfield space, said in its local plan there are “concerns over the long-term viability” of operating the bus station in its current location.

The plan states that “the principle of redevelopment is acceptable, providing that attractive, operationally satisfactory interchange facilities for passengers are provided on a site elsewhere of equal convenience”.

Councillor Merlin Miller called for the developers to either find a suitable site before planning permission is approved, or the bus stop should remain.

Visualisation of proposed new Eastgate Street development. Credit ECE Architecture

Cllr Miller added: “Brighton and Hove Bus Company has sent an objection to the proposals, suggesting the demolition of the bus station could even lead to the loss of some bus services.”

Nearly 600 objections have been submitted to the Generator Group’s plans for a four storey development of houses, flats and commercial space, with no affordable housing – according to Lewes Lib Dems.

The developers are said to have given notice to local cafes and the bus companies that they plan to demolish the site. An attempt by campaigners to gain listed building status for Lewes bus station failed last week.

Lewes Bus Station in September 2021

Lewes Liberal Democrats are calling on the South Downs National Park Authority, who will decide on the application, to hold the meeting with the decision in Lewes so local residents can make their voices heard.

Councillor Claire Dowling, lead member for transport and the environment at East Sussex County Council, said they were “extremely disappointed” with the owner’s decision to serve the council notice.

She said: “We remain committed to working with them to deliver an alternative location for a town centre bus station, as they are required to do to satisfy the relevant policy within the National Park’s local plan.

“As a potential site has been identified, we hope they will proceed with funding its development as a matter of urgency to limit the disruption to bus passengers, businesses and residents in Lewes.”

The Generator Group has been approached for comment.