Public question time
To deal with any questions received from members of the public in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11 (if any).
Minutes:
Dr Jennifer Chibnall submitted the following question to the Leader of the Council, Councillor Zoe Nicholson.
Question
I am mindful that the present Council probably have more sustainable ambitions for North Street than has previously been the case. And also that the issue is a difficult one. However questions are asked of those of us who have considered these plans so I wonder if there is any information that the Council can give to reassure those who have objected to the Santon/MAS rei plans as not conforming to the policies of the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) Local Plan and the Lewes Neighbourhood Development Plan?
The SDNPA Policy SD57 on North Street is described as ‘designed to be sufficiently flexible to allow other proposals to come forward to achieve National park objectives should the consented scheme (or phases of the consented scheme) not proceed and/or other proposals come forward’. (p214). This cannot help but give us hope. Some of us indeed hope this may include, not least on grounds of sustainability, saving especially the significant Every buildings as work and community space.
Councillor Nicholson confirmed that the Director of Regeneration and Planning or a representative would arrange a meeting with Dr Chibnall to answer her question fully.