Latest News from Lewes District Council

‘Impressive’ community response to first phase consultation on Lewes Local Plan

Lewes District Council has thanked everyone who took part in the first phase of consultation on its Local Plan earlier this year.

Local plans set out where future development will take place, such as new homes and locations for business growth, as well the local policy requirements against which future planning applications will be judged.

This first phase of consultation, looking at sites within towns and a limited number of villages, included drop-in events in Ringmer, Seaford, Newick, Peacehaven, Cooksbridge, and Newhaven, as well as a joint event with South Downs National Park Authority in Lewes Town Hall, an exhibition and a webinar.

Councillor Laurence O’Connor, Cabinet Member for Planning, said: “We saw an impressive level of engagement during this initial phase of consultation and our thanks to all those people who gave us their feedback. The insights gathered are invaluable as we move forward in shaping the future development of our district.”

In total, 1,965 individual responses were received and a higher number of responses via the online consultation platform than in the previous consultation.

Residents showed particular interest in several key themes: Spatial Strategy was the most commented upon topic, followed by Homes for All, then Natural Environment and Climate Change.

All feedback received is now being carefully considered by the council as documents are prepared for the second stage of consultation, which is anticipated in late autumn 2025.

This second phase will have a greater emphasis on more rural parts of the district, while also re-evaluating areas considered during phase one.

New cycle map for Lewes now available

Cycle Lewes has released the latest edition of its popular Cycle Map, designed to help residents and visitors discover safer, quieter, and more enjoyable cycling routes in and around the town.

The updated map features recommended routes through Lewes, seven scenic rides into the surrounding countryside, and highlights local pubs, cafés, and points of interest. It reflects the growing network of cycle paths, including the newly designated bridleway to Iford via Rise Farm, offering stunning views of the valley and Lewes Castle.

This fifth edition—produced with grant support from Ouse Valley Climate Action, the National Lottery Community Fund, and Lewes District Council—builds on decades of local knowledge, starting with the first hand-drawn version by Cycle Lewes co-founder Tim Locke in 1996.

Printed copies are available free at local Tourist Information Centres, Lewes Cycle Shack, and the Lewes Climate Hub. The digital version, along with GPS-enabled countryside routes, can be found at cyclelewes.org.uk/maps and on Komoot.

Cycle Lewes welcomes feedback to help improve future editions and expand family-friendly routes. A short survey is available via their website  www.cyclelewes.org.uk

Specialist Autism Advice Team at Lewes District Citizens Advice

Lewes District Citizens Advice is committed to working with autistic people in ways that work best for them.

If you are aged 19+ and would like to access accredited advice services for benefits, housing, employment, consumer, family, debt or cost of living you can contact them via their website lewesdistrictca.org.uk/contact-us or by leaving a message on 01273 120387 and a member of their specialist Autism Advice Team will contact you.

Lewes District CA is a local charity dedicated to providing free, confidential and independent advice to help people overcome problems. They are a voice for clients on the issues that matter for them and value diversity, champion equality and challenge discrimination. They are here for everyone.

Updated Seaford Beach Guide

The updated guide provides a host of information about Seaford beach and inshore waters for visitors and local residents. It is filled with useful tips such as where to swim, hazards in the sea and child safety.

The guide is available from the kiosks on the seafront, the Lifeguards, and the Tourist Information Centre on Church Street. You can also download an electronic copy.