On 10 Dec 2015 at 2:27pm lewes wrote:
Hooray! We are getting our brand new development! Excellent news!
On 10 Dec 2015 at 2:32pm Tipex wrote:
Regardless of which side of the fence we sit re this I think the Phoenix Rising group should be commended for their determination and commitment. They put up a really impressive fight.
On 10 Dec 2015 at 2:56pm Eric C wrote:
YES !!!!
On 10 Dec 2015 at 3:02pm Lewesian wrote:
YES!!! A clone town at last! How wonderful!
On 10 Dec 2015 at 3:03pm lewes wrote:
Tipex: phoenix rising should not be commended due to their approach which risked causing the development to be delayed.
However I do respect their tenacious attitude and I think they may have achieved some minor changes which will also help to make this development great for lewes!
On 10 Dec 2015 at 3:09pm stig of the dump wrote:
Best news i've had since i heard Great Aunty Mable got her tit caught in the mangle !!!!!!
On 10 Dec 2015 at 3:54pm Disillusioned of Lewes wrote:
Just spent the best part of a day at the planning meeting - yet again, money talks! Sickening to hear the SDNPA planning members and Officers together with LDC, praising each other for all their hard work! Poor them. A very sad day for Lewes - not because I am against development or change, but because they have refused to even listen to Phoenix Rising who have also worked tirelessly for the people of Lewes. A compromise could surely have been reached - And yes, Lewesian, you are right - Lewes will very soon become another clone town. Furthermore, the meeting room was freezing cold, unwelcoming and poorly laid out. The SDNPA were offered the Town Hall but did not take up the offer - probably frightened too many Phoenix Rising supporters would come. And please all remember, our Town Council was against this Santon development - should they not be listened to instead of the dreadful so called Friends of lewes who should be marched right out of town! Very unjust and I feel so sorry for Phoenix Rising tonight.
On 10 Dec 2015 at 4:10pm jaffa wrote:
Also off putting was jo carter and chelsea Renton giggling like girls at the back and giving the evils to anyone who dared to have an opposing view.
On 10 Dec 2015 at 4:40pm Fred wrote:
Phoenix Rising DID NOT work for people of Lewes, they were on their own agenda. People of Lewes was these brown field sites developed. Now just go away and find another cause in Uckfield maybe.........
On 10 Dec 2015 at 4:43pm Tractor wrote:
Well, the houses will sell, that's obvious, but everything else is subject to the laws of commerce. It's not beyond the people of Lewes to still influence the area through boycotts of the businesses. If people really don't want it to be successful then it won't be. Just like the Premier Inn this is another classic example of the council making a short term plan regardless of common sense (unless a new school is built, more doctors, another road...) but then I know what I'm talking about so obviously I would think that.
On 10 Dec 2015 at 4:51pm jack wrote:
get the bloody caravans move on about time .
On 10 Dec 2015 at 4:58pm Community wrote:
Amazing how everyone on hear seems to know how Lewes thinks, so I will add to this as well, It's a great day for Lewes, a plan for new houses is approved, new commerce, subsidy for the arts, Malling Fields and flood defences. Hurrah.
On 10 Dec 2015 at 4:59pm HeathClifford wrote:
I don't understand the loathing of the Santon plan. What's "clone" about it? I think it's beautiful. Is it just that it's a private developer that the crusties hate?And where's this idea come from that there were 600 jobs going to be lost in some sort of thriving "hub"? 3,000 kids use the facilities? Pull the other one. If an industrial estate become semi-derelict then of course lots of transient "businesses" will pitch up and take advantage - and now they'll find another cheap place. Furniture Now is a worthy idea but really it's a lot of old and horrible furniture you can already get as cheap at various charity shops (and Ikea). I do hope that they find somewhere for Starfish, but as a children's music charity that shut in the school holidays I do think a bit of a profit motive might have meant a better service?
On 10 Dec 2015 at 5:04pm Lewes Chap wrote:
"Is it just that it's a private developer that the crusties hate?" Pretty accurate - plus the end of their rent free ride at Angel's misfortune.
On 10 Dec 2015 at 5:39pm Guido wrote:
Were they not all there on short term leases? The building are asbestos ridden and a earth hazard. Santon will bring jobs, housing, flood defences and health care. Bring it on. Time for the travellers to move on. If their businesses were that good they won't have a problem finding new premises albeit paying proper rents and rates.
On 10 Dec 2015 at 6:19pm Local wrote:
Great News, Lewes finally joins the real world.
On 10 Dec 2015 at 6:22pm Ben wrote:
Whilst I really hoped the Pheonix could pull off a miracle, I was secretly quite surprised by the Santon design. It's not anywhere in the stratosphere of "clone town". If it works, I am seeing lots of web design type businesses spreading out from Brighton and London providing employment and opportunities for local talent. If this happens then the shops will appear and thrive.
In my worst nightmare I see it as a possible replica of the catastrophic shopping experience that is Brighton Marina!
On 10 Dec 2015 at 6:38pm Earl of Lewes wrote:
@HeathClifford - If you ever have the misfortune to fall on hard times, Furniture Now provides a marvellous service. Don't knock it.
On 10 Dec 2015 at 7:20pm concerned wrote:
When the dust settles I should want to see a formal investigation into the unprofessional behaviour of several councillors claiming to represent the Lewes community in this matter. I think many of the electorate believe that their behaviour has brought the role entrusted them into disrepute.
On 10 Dec 2015 at 7:43pm Landporter wrote:
Oh do shut up concerned.
On 10 Dec 2015 at 8:15pm HeathClifford wrote:
@EarlofLewes Fair point. We have been in hard times and we have used it actually, and the people there are helpful and well-meaning. I just don't think it should hold up the development and it can't be beyond the council to find an alternative site.
On 10 Dec 2015 at 8:19pm it's true wrote:
When the dust settles it will be too late to do anything about the corruption in LDC. We do need homes, but I cannot see the youth of Lewes being able to live in these houses, rented or bought. The NP have absolved themselves o their duty, it's bad for the system of National Parks.
On 10 Dec 2015 at 8:19pm Belladonna wrote:
Was the ironworks building saved? And are the building designs set in stone or just 'guidelines' for the different builders that Santon will (they told me) sell plots to? And which companies have been given new workspaces ? And what happens to the grant money given to Skatepark that will now be bulldozed ? Do Santon pay it back ? This is terrible news for Lewes - and unbelievable that so many jobs will be removed from the town. A missed opportunity. V sad
On 10 Dec 2015 at 8:58pm bernie wrote:
Fantastic news for lewes, we are finally taking things seriously and planning ahead for future generations! A happy day for lewes. Great work and well done to santon and ldc for coordinating so effectively to ensure housing is on brownfield and they have saved potential greenfield in doing so.
Shame on the town council councillors that were against this fantastic opportunity. If this scheme is proved a success then those councillors should resign as they clearly do not have the foresight to know what lewes needs and deserves. They are completely out of touch with reality and current times.
As for the current town mayor who objected...a similar action would also make sense.
On 10 Dec 2015 at 9:05pm amy wrote:
Bernie, I couldn't agree more! Well done for saying what many others are thinking. Shame on them
On 10 Dec 2015 at 9:25pm You've Got To Be Kidding wrote:
The current town mayor is the sole reason I was against this scheme.
On 10 Dec 2015 at 10:01pm Atropine wrote:
Belladonna - Santon / Lewes DC now have planning consent to go ahead with Phase 1 subject to getting approval of a raft of conditions (which means a lot more detailed design work) and to the signing of the a contract known as a S106 agreement to require the benefits of the scheme are delivered. The decision was unanimous - a rare thing in these matters. And remember that the South Downs planning committee includes a considerable body of experts and it will continue to ensure that the best possible scheme is delivered. It's great for Lewes. Expect actual construction to start next Autumn - there's a lot still to do before that can start.
Let's get the relevant people in Lewes to work together with interested members of Phoenix Rising to relocate the sustainable businesses and social enterprises into other premises. No more delay - the businesses in Phase 1 need to get ready to relocate
On 10 Dec 2015 at 10:02pm PureFiction wrote:
A great day for Lewes, make no mistake. Phoenix as it stands is an eyesore, a blot on the Lewes townscape housing an assortment of "alternative" types living in cars, vans, busses etc. The sooner the bulldozers move in the better.
The Phoenix rising campaign is built on a tissue of lies and should really be considered one of the greatest works of fiction of all time! 450 jobs? WHERE??? 50 businesses? Pull the other one.
They were quite happy squatting down there all the years letting the place go to absolute rack and ruin... Good riddance.
On 10 Dec 2015 at 10:14pm You've Got To Be Kidding wrote:
PureFiction - agreed.
450 voluntary jobs do not equate to proper employment
On 10 Dec 2015 at 10:57pm Crusty wrote:
Its a site for the people coming to Lewes, not for the people of Lewes. Simple as that
On 10 Dec 2015 at 11:15pm Realist wrote:
Ah the s106 agreement. A "legalised" bribe. If you Mr council give me planning permission, I will build you a new recreation arw
On 10 Dec 2015 at 11:18pm Realist wrote:
...area, or whatever you would like. Not far removed from brown envelopes. All part of the dirty world developers work in.
On 10 Dec 2015 at 11:22pm convenient wrote:
@crusty yes I agree , I doubt very much that any of the people living on site are Lewesians , I fact I wonder how few of the businesses down there are owned by Lewesians . It was always temporary , they've had a great run and now its time to move on graciously .
On 10 Dec 2015 at 11:32pm Claire wrote:
Convenient - why are "born and bred" Lewesians so obsessed with where their mum gave birth. It's about who bring benefits to the town and not about where you were born. Regardless of perspective all we need to focus on now is how we can bring some positive ideas and support to the development.
Oh god - I've just realised there's going to be hate filled threads on here in 18 months time about "OFNS" - Over From North Streeters! Yet another social group to sneer at.
On 11 Dec 2015 at 12:21am Smudge wrote:
Best be forming a crusty queue at LDC housing office - I do believe being made homeless gives you extra points. Might have a bit of catching up to do with the old council tax though, guys!
On 11 Dec 2015 at 12:28am lewes wrote:
Claire: it's because we are born and bred that we feel extra passionately about this. Surely you can understand that. We need housing for future generations to enjoy. We can't get sentimental about all these dangerous asbestos sheds.
On 11 Dec 2015 at 3:39am mr windy wrote:
Hope all you who have gone on about dfl's ant the ones now say its a good thing. Will it put property prices down that's good if you own. what will happen to high street if the big chains move to Phoenix.what have you done .will it be seaside road Eastbourne again , maybe Lewes has now turned in to what you all moaned on about ,,,,, Good mcDonald's next 
On 11 Dec 2015 at 7:55am Tony Pollybe wrote:
I would take a law abiding, tax paying DFL over non conforming hippies any day of the week.
I have all ways failed to see how the Phoenix benefits the town in any way. The beneficiaries of the Phoenix are the people who are living and working there for buck she.
There are plenty of places Starfish can go and Zu could use the name to host parties and classes in other venues as well. But that would mean conforming wouldn't it and that wouldn't work for Zu people.
On 11 Dec 2015 at 11:39am Belladonna wrote:
So has the ironworks building been saved ? To repeat my earlier questions..... Did the quasi official self appointed Lewes society actually approve of the scheme ? I thought they were all about saving the history of the town? But maybe only if it relates to the establishment / aristocracy and NOT the working people ??
On 11 Dec 2015 at 1:22pm bob wrote:
Lewes iron works. It was an iron works...that's it....get over it.
On 11 Dec 2015 at 4:39pm Realist wrote:
No the iron works have not been saved but the cast iron Windows may be used as decoration on other buildings.