The consultation period for plans to build a new community of 700 homes and cultural, business and flexible workspace in a town has been extended.

The plans will encompass North Street Industrial Estate and Springman House in North Street, Lewes.

Human Nature Lewes Limited has submitted its planning application to the South Downs National Park Authority.

The consultation period was originally opened from March 19 until April 21.

The statutory consultation period has been extended for four more weeks.

Now, people have until May 26 to submit comments via the National Park Authority’s public access system.

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Kelly Porter, major projects lead, said: “This is a major planning application for Lewes and it is important everyone has the opportunity to have their say.

“The extension gives the public and all interested parties an additional five weeks to submit comments on these plans via our public access system.

“It is really important that people comment on the application via the National Park Authority’s public access system, rather than via online petitions, other websites or comments on social media as there’s no guarantee we will receive their comments.”

The site is allocated for development in the National Park’s local plan.

The proposals will be in different phases.

One element of the consultation relates to proposals for full planning permission to demolish existing buildings, construct flood defences, highways improvements.

It also includes the construction of buildings of up to five storeys, to provide 44 dwellings.

Outline planning permission is being sought for further phases that would include buildings of up to six storeys comprising 656 dwellings.

There will also be more than 3,000 square metres of business space which can be used as flexible workspace.

The outline plans propose new parking provisions focusing on a mobility hub off The Causeway, highway improvements, including a realignment of North Street and Phoenix Place, a recycling and re-use centre, and construction of a new footbridge over the River Ouse and a riverside pedestrian walkway.

It is hoped a decision will be made on the proposals by the autumn.