Council secures North Street Quarter in 'defining moment' for affordable homes
Lewes District Council has completed the £9.5 million purchase of the North Street Quarter site in Lewes, marking one of the most significant strategic interventions in the town's recent history.
For the first time in decades, the majority of this key brownfield site is under single ownership, preventing it from being broken up and enabling the long‑promised redevelopment to move forward with certainty.
Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council, said:
"This is undoubtedly a defining moment for this important site.
"By acquiring North Street Quarter, we are ensuring it delivers what our residents have been promised - affordable homes, modern health facilities, and the vital flood defences our town needs.
"It is a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity, and we are determined to make it happen."
The purchase includes an option for Human Nature, the site's current developer, to buy back the land within 18 months once they have a viable financial plan and funding. This structure supports continuity while protecting the community should the developer be unable to proceed.
Councillor Nicholson added:
"We have acted in the public interest, with prudence and ambition. Securing North Street Quarter at almost half the price paid in 2021 is a major achievement, but the real value lies in protecting the future of this transformational project."
Human Nature continues to work with funders, Homes England, and other partners to finalise the financing required to begin construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the North Street Quarter?
North Street Quarter is a large brownfield site close to Lewes town centre. It is a strategically important regeneration site with the potential to deliver 685 new homes, flood protection, community facilities and improved public spaces. There is a long history (20+ years) of development schemes coming forward and then stalling - a reflection of the complexity of the site.
What decision has the Council taken?
The Council has purchased the majority parcel of land at the North Street Quarter land site from Human Nature.This was an asset and land‑ownership decision taken to protect the wider development site and ensure it can be developed in a coordinated and comprehensive way.
The Council has granted Human Nature a limited period of up to 18 months to repurchase the land. This gives them a time limited opportunity to finalise their plans to deliver the development. Throughout this period, Human Nature will maintain management of the site under a lease.
Who approved the decision to purchase the land?
The decision was approved by Lewes District Council's Cabinet on 5th June 2025. Prior to the Cabinet meeting, the proposed decision was reviewed by the Council's Policy and Performance Advisory Committee on 3rd June 2025.
The land purchase was also considered by the North Street Quarter Members Oversight Board which provides ongoing, cross-party member engagement in the NSQ development. The Board is made up of Cllr Zoe Nicholson, Cllr Chris Collier, Cllr Janet Baah, Cllr Stephen Gauntlett and Cllr Nick Kortalla-Bird.
Did the Council get expert advice on the land purchase?
Yes. The Council was advised in the purchase by specialist legal advisors at Gowling WLG and specialist financial and commercial advisors at Avison Young (UK) Ltd.
Avison Young carried out a formal independent valuation of the land which determined its value as £9.5 million.
Does the Council now own the whole site?
The Council now owns the majority of the North Street Quarter site, bringing it into public control.
Some smaller areas remain in third party ownership, which is common on complex development sites. The Council can consider using its Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers if this proves necessary to assemble the NSQ land.
Has the Council taken on Human Nature's debt or lent them money?
No.
The Council has not taken on their debt and has not lent them money.
Is this a bailout of Human Nature?
No.
This is a strategic decision that has been taken to protect the public benefits that the comprehensive site will deliver. These benefits include housing, flood defences, health-hub and community infrastructure etc.
If Human Nature buys back the land, the price must cover LDC's holding costs including interest at a commercial rate.
If it doesn't buy back the land, LDC will remain the freehold owner having paid £9.5 million for land that cost Human Nature £18 million to secure.
Why has the Council made the decision to buy the land?
The Council wanted to protect the NSQ site for comprehensive development so that the site can deliver the important public benefits i.e. housing, flood defences, a new health-hub and other community infrastructure. The Council has purchased the majority share of the NSQ land to mitigate the risk of it being sold off in parts. If that were to happen it would make comprehensive development of the site very difficult, if not impossible.
Does this decision affect planning?
No. The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) is the planning authority.
Does this mean development will start immediately?
No.
Further steps are still required including funding arrangements, legal processes and planning requirements.
Has the Council appointed Human Nature to develop the site?
No.
This a land purchase with a limited option period for the seller, Human Nature, to buy back the land to deliver the development. The Council has not procured Human Nature to develop the site.
What will happen if Human Nature doesn't buy back the land?
If Human Nature does not buy back the land to deliver the development, then the Council's intention is to work with partners to secure delivery of this strategically important site including significant public benefits.
What happens next?
Human Nature will continue to work towards delivery of the North Street Quarter development.
The Council will continue to:
- Monitor progress
- Protect the public interest
- Take further decisions openly and transparently where required
Will residents be kept informed?
Yes.
The Council will continue to keep members of the public informed about progress throughout, including via public reports, the Council's website, and other communication channels.
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