Site of former Newhaven Social Club on sale with planning permission granted for apartments

Planning permission was granted by Lewes District Council in April this year for six two bedroom apartments and five business units.

According to the approved planning application the current site will be demolished and there will be an erection of 2 and 3 storey buildings comprising six two bedroomed flats on the first and second floors and five business units on ground floor.

Local councillor James MacCleary said: "It was such a shame that the social club site was not able to continue with something that could be used by the town but as is so often the case these days it was bought by a property developer. They have managed to get planning permission for some flats and shops on the site and are now selling it on. This is very common as the site is now worth more money now it has planning approval.

"The application was not great in my view mostly because it had very little parking. It is sadly a common story in so many towns that buildings used by the community are sold off to developers who just pack in as many units as possible. The only real bright spot was that I was able to argue to preserve the Victorian clock tower which remains from the original building. It is possible that whoever acquires the site may choose to do something else with it so I will keep a close eye on it."

The site is on sale from Arun, Land & New Homes and is listed under planning application LW/22/0152 on the Lewes & Eastbourne Councils website.

Newhaven Town Council objected to the application due to: Lack of parking provision, lack of disabled access to residential units, and no provision of ‘green space’ for the residential units.

According to a statement from Lewes District Council: “The permission was granted to regenerate a neglected site, bring added vitality to the town centre and provide much needed new homes to the area. Regarding any sale of the site, the permission stays with the land. If the land is sold, the new owner has the choice whether to implement the permission or not.”

According to the Officer’s Report on the planning application: “Overall, it is considered that the proposed development would regenerate a neglected site and provide a suitably distinctive and attractive building.

“It is considered that the proposed development is of appropriate design, would not adversely impact upon the amenities of neighbouring residents and would deliver enhancements to the vitality of the town centre.”

Addressing the parking situation of the development, the officer’s report said: “A zero parking provision is considered likely to deter car ownership and, therefore, address potential for increased traffic that would impact upon the environment at large as well as the immediately surrounding Air Quality Management Area.”

The report also noted that the demand for parking provisions would be approximately 12 spaces for the proposed design, which the report estimates would be less demand than if the site were to be restored to a social club.