Lewes District Council - Town Planning Designation

The Department of Levelling Up Housing and Communities (DLUHC) sets a threshold of 10% for the number of major developments refused by a council that are later approved at appeal. 

Over the period in question - April 2021 to March 2023 - of the 40 major applications determined by the council, there were 13 (32%) successful appeals.

The designation means that applications for major development can either continue to be submitted to Lewes District Council or can now be submitted directly to the Planning Inspectorate. Applications that go direct to the Planning Inspectorate will not get the opportunity for an appeal.

All planning applications other than for major development will continue to be submitted to and determined by Lewes District Council.

The designation is likely to last a year.

We are obviously very disappointed with the designation and concerned that the views of local people need to continue to play a key role in all planning decisions.

We have explained to government officials that council officers are getting on with the new Local Plan without any intervention by DLUHC, there has been no criticism from DLUHC about the level of housing being built in the district every year or with the progress on the Local Plan, we organise a rigorous training programme for planning committee members and other councillors and continue to support the development of local and neighbourhood plans.

We will continue to improve our service and make planning decisions based on policy and by engaging residents and businesses.

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