On 8 May, Housing Secretary Michael Gove designated Lewes District Council for the quality of decision-making regarding applications for planning permission for major development.
This designation falls under section 62A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. The Council's designation remains in effect “until revoked”.
The notice outlines that in applying the designation criteria, the Secretary of State has considered “data for the two year period ending on 31 March 2023 and subsequent appeals decisions to 31 December 2023 on the quality of decision making by local planning authorities on applications for planning permission for major development”.
He noted in certain ways, the council is “not adequately performing [its] function of determining applications for planning permission for major development”.
Councillor Zoe Nicholson, leader of Lewes District Council and councillor Laurence O’Connor, cabinet member for planning, believe the Council is "being punished by the government for defending the district against unwanted development, plain and simple".
They went on to say that the government has "launched a full-frontal attack on the views of local people and the communities they live in".
“This council has stood up against housebuilders and their pursuit of profit in our district, rejecting planning applications that would turn green space into concrete and offer next to nothing for local people in real need of a home".
“We’ve always been proud and grateful for the way so many parish and town councils engaged in the planning process and produced excellent neighbourhood plans. These plans were created by residents to ensure the best for their communities, but they are now being penalised for following the government’s own instructions.”
Lewes District Council's designation follows St Albans City and District Council and Bristol City Council being designated for the speed of decision-making regarding applications for planning permission for non-major development in March.
