Lewes District Council – News – October 2026

Lewes District Council is commencing protective legal action in relation to the government’s Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) proposals.

The action is intended to preserve the council’s legal position while the government undertakes a review of its LGR proposals. Previously, the government had approved a plan to move East Saltdean, Telscombe and Peacehaven into the jurisdiction of Brighton & Hove City Council, a move widely opposed by residents in Lewes district.

Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council, said:

“The pause and review of the government’s plans for reorganisation is welcomed, but until the plan to annex parts of our district are abandoned, we must do everything in our power to protect the best interests of our residents.

“We have consistently argued that decisions must be based on evidence, local identity and what is best for residents. Instead, we received proposals that threaten to fragment communities and create uncertainty for the people and businesses we serve.

“By taking this step, we are safeguarding our position and ensuring we continue to have all legal options open to us, if they are required.”

The council’s action is being taken within the strict timescales that apply to Judicial Review proceedings while the government review continues.

Councillor Nicholson added:

“Residents rightly expect us to stand up for our district and challenge decisions that we believe are wrong, and that is exactly what we are doing.”

Lewes District Council and The Sussex Archaeological Society are finalising plans to relocate Lewes Tourist Information Centre (TIC) to Lewes Castle & Museum.

The move at last secures the long-term future of a face-to-face tourist information service in Lewes, enhancing the visitor experience, including weekend opening.

The new TIC will be located in Barbican House Museum opposite Lewes Castle, one of the town’s most popular and historic attractions, making information and advice easily accessible to visitors exploring the county town and the surrounding area.

The service will continue to provide information on local attractions, accommodation, events and transport, alongside the sale of maps, publications, tickets and souvenirs.

Additionally, a consultation highlighted the need to support the high street in the upper town. Locating the TIC at Barbican House will increase footfall along the length of the High Street.

This important relocation will allow the service to be delivered more cost-effectively, with savings reinvested in destination marketing activities, helping to attract more visitors to Lewes and the wider district through targeted digital engagement.

Councillor Johnny Denis, Cabinet Member for Tourism, said:

“We know how important a physical tourist information service remains for many visitors and residents, and we’re delighted to have reached an agreement that secures its future.

“By bringing the TIC into Barbican House Museum, we are placing visitor information at the heart of one of the town’s most popular attractions while creating an even better experience for people exploring our district.

“I’m most grateful to The Sussex Archaeological Society for its constructive and helpful role in this move, and I’m equally delighted that it too will benefit from the relocation.

“At a time when tourist information centres are closing across the UK, this partnership ensures the service can continue to support visitors, residents and the wider tourism economy.”

The TIC is expected to begin operating from Barbican House Museum in the coming weeks. Further details, including opening arrangements and opening hours, will be announced soon.

Natasha Williams, Director of Lewes Properties at The Sussex Archaeological Society, said:

“We welcome this opportunity to facilitate the Lewes Tourist Information Centre within Barbican House Museum, supporting both tourists in the area and the local community who use the service. As part of this process, we are looking to better understand how people want to use the TIC and welcome any suggestions as to how it can continue to be a valuable service for the area.

“We look forward to working closely with Visit Lewes and collaborating in the promotion of Lewes and the surrounding area.”

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Government policy change forces pause and review of Lewes Local Plan

Lewes District Council has put a temporary pause on work to prepare the Local Plan after a government decision to introduce a revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and review the previously announced local government reorganisation proposals affecting Lewes District.

The changes have fundamentally altered the planning context in which the Local Plan was prepared and create significant uncertainty around future planning boundaries, housing requirements and infrastructure planning.

The pause will allow officers to undertake a focused review of government changes to national planning policy and seek urgent clarification from Whitehall on the future of local government reorganisation.

Councillor Laurence O’Connor, Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure, said:

“The council has been placed in an extremely difficult and invidious position by the government over recent months. We were asked to plan for one set of administrative boundaries following July’s local government reorganisation announcement, only for that proposal to be turned on its head. At the same time, significant changes to national planning policy have fundamentally altered the landscape in which local plans are prepared and assessed.

“The prudent and responsible course is to undertake a focused review, seek answers from government and ensure that any future plan is robust, defensible at examination and based on the most up-to-date information available.”

Officers will continue to gather evidence, engage with government, and prepare an interim framework to help guide development and infrastructure decisions.

Read full story here

Cabinet backs funding strategy to unlock major A259 transport improvements

Cabinet councillors recently approved funding plans to help secure significant government investment towards major improvements along the A259 corridor.

The funding would come from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Strategic Pot. CIL is collected from new development and used to support infrastructure required by growing communities, including transport, public realm improvements and community facilities across the district.

Today’s decision supports the council’s commitment to improving highway safety, expanding active and sustainable travel options, and contributing to local carbon reduction objectives. The council has agreed to hold funds to support East Sussex County Council’s bid for Department for Transport funding for the A259 Major Road Network Package. The local contribution is needed to unlock the remaining 85% of project funding from the Department for Transport.

Importantly, the funding will remain under the control of Lewes District Council and will not be released at this stage. Any future release of funds will be subject to a successful Department for Transport funding award and a further Cabinet decision setting out the final financial arrangements.

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