Permission refused for demolition of Lewes Bus Station for flats

The bus station in Eastgate Street, Lewes, was due to be knocked down for 40 homes, a commercial space and a pedestrian area.

The developer, The Generator Group, were also supposed to agree a suitable alternative site to build a bus station for people in Lewes.

South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) refused planning permission for the site at a meeting at its headquarters in Midhurst.

Aerial view of the bus station in Lewes

They raised concerns about a lack of provision for relocation of bus facilities, not enough affordable housing, “overbearing” design and impact on the conservation area and nearby listed buildings, loss of daylight for a neighbouring property and potential issues with suggested areas of tree planting.

Green councillor Adrian Ross, chairman of Lewes District Council, told The Argus: “I’m delighted that it got refused. SDNPA officers made the right recommendations and planning officers made the right decision.

“We’re very pleased but also recognise it’s just the first round so we expect the Generator Group to either appeal or submit a better application.

Illustration of The Generator Group's development

“We have to make sure we get both a bus station in Lewes and affordable housing that the town needs.

“They were told to come back with affordable housing, an agreement to provide a replacement bus station and to improve the design and reduce the bulk of the existing plans.

“The thing we’re most concerned about is the bus station, the policy says it should be an operational satisfactory waiting facility. We need to make sure that is what we get, not just a series of bus stations on the narrow streets of Lewes.

From left, Green councillors Roy Clay, Adrian Ross, Jonathan Vernon, James Herbert, Wendy Maples (Image: Lewes Green Party)

“It would cause complete gridlock in the town if we don’t get a proper bus station.”

Wendy Maples, Green councillor for Lewes, added: "This is the right decision – and the numbers of people turning out on a very wet day shows this.

"There was just about everything wrong with Generator Group’s plans: no affordable housing, an overbearing design and a complete disregard for the transport needs of Lewes and it’s surrounding villages. What now?

"Most urgently, we need Generator Group to show it is interested in working with the Town and our Local Authorities by immediately removing the notice to close the Bus Station.

"Today’s rain bursts have vividly demonstrated the flaws in Generator Group’s on-street bus station proposals.

"It’s time for a serious conversation. We need to keep and improve what we’ve got or the Generator Group needs to pay for a realistic alternative Bus Station."

The Generator Group served notice back in August for bus operations to cease at the site by September 16.

Lewes Liberal Democrats slammed this decision due to the fact planning permission had not yet been granted.

There have been nearly 700 objections to the developer’s plans for the site.

The Generator Group has been approached for comment.