What did the First Consultation reveal?
The results of the First Conversation consultations held in April throughout
Peacehaven, Telscombe and East Saltdean showed us that Residents agreed with the Steering Group’s view that The Meridian Centre area had declined and needed to be reworked to provide a new emphasis to the Plan Area.
Local shops,Local employment, Leisure, the environment and climate change are all seen as important now and for the future.
Areas of concern centred around ; NHS services, education,transport and roads
particularly our reliance on the A259.
What happened next ?
We approached the Coop Group to ask them about their plans for the Coop Store and the covered Meridian Centre which they own. We were also interested in the wider Meridian area as if we are to achieve a new centre focus for the Neighbourhood Plan Area the whole are needs to be rethought.
The emerging goal is to remove some of our dependency on the A259 and create cycle and walking routes through the area reducing car usage which is a National aim.
The Plan is still in the consultation and preparation stage the Coop have confirmed their commitment to Peacehaven and are intending to submit an application under “Call for Sites” which is a public request for building or employment land over 0.2 Hectarers.
Call for Sites ends 31st October 2018 at which time The Steering Group with professional support will review any submissions.
Way Forward
The fact that we are working on a Neighbourhood Plan provides some protection for the Area, we have to work within the policies and constraints of Lewes District Core Strategy but we can try to allocate the 255 more homes by 2030 to sites that least harm Peacehaven and Telscombe.
A lot of loose ends and policy identification will need to be brought together before we will be able to produce a Draft Plan but we are all determined to achieve this asap.
Cathy Gallagher
Chair of Steering Group
Peacehaven and Telscombe Neighbourhood Plan