Controversial proposals to build a major apartment complex in Newhaven are set to go back in front of Lewes planners next week.

Next Wednesday Lewes District Council’s planning committee is due to consider proposals to build 126 flats and duplexes – many within an 18-storey tower – on land in Beach Road, near to the entrance of Newhaven Port.

The plans had been due for discussion on two previous occasions earlier this year, but were deferred both times in light of requests from applicant KSD Support Services.

The first deferral, in April, was due to concerns from KSD Support Services that the absence of final comments from East Sussex Highways could ‘prejudice the consideration of the item’. The second deferral, in September, came after the developer said it wanted to submit ‘a more full and rounded application’ which specifically addressed concerns around noise.

As with its previous iterations, the scheme is being recommended for approval by council planning officers. A report to the committee said: “It is considered that the proposed development would deliver significant social, environmental and economic benefit through the delivery of much needed smaller housing units, high quality buildings along with landscaping and biodiversity enhancements, commercial floorspace, improved pedestrian permeability and the regeneration of what is currently a somewhat oppressive environment. “

The site, which sits near to the entrance of Newhaven Port, had previously seen planning permission granted for a mixed-use development including an 80-bedroom hotel. This earlier scheme was not built out, however.

The proposed development would also include an 18-storey tower — an element of the proposals which has proven to be particularly controversial among local residents. So far, the council has received 197 letters of objection, which have raised a range of concerns.

Objections also include a petition from Newhaven’s Liberal Democrat group, which has been signed by 187 individuals. The petition, which was first submitted prior to the April meeting, reads: “While we welcome the development of brownfield sites, they must be in keeping with the rest of Newhaven and meet the town’s needs. The 18-storey high tower will be higher than Nelson’s column, and will completely change not just the local street scene but the whole of Newhaven.”

The petition adds: “The previous plans would have delivered a fantastic opportunity, but these plans offer nothing. There is no affordable housing offered in this development, there is not sufficient parking and there will be a major issue with over-development and shadowing.”

Objections have also been raised by Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd. The company, which is the harbour authority responsible for maintaining the port, points out how it owns a small part of the application site and wants to preserve its rights over the land. As a civil matter, this land dispute would not prevent the grant of planning permission.

For further information see application reference LW/23/0304 on the Lewes District Council website.