Nick Larkin reports on a historic building which is standing empty while passengers – and buses – use congested local streets
Historic Lewes bus station is standing empty after planning permission for houses on the site was turned down. The 20th Century Society and local campaigners are continuing the battle to save the building, citing its historic importance. Following the enforced closure of the site by owner Generator Group, since 16 September buses are now forced to pick up and set down passengers on congested streets, creating a further local backlash.
Dating from 1954, the bus station and adjacent garage have survived in remarkably original condition. An application by the 20th Century Society to have the building listed has been turned down. Campaigns Manager Oli Marshall said: “This is a fine example of a bus station from this era and we would like to see it saved and used for its intended purpose. We very much support the local campaign to save it.”
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Planning authority for Lewes the South Downs National Park Authority turned down the Generator Group’s application to build homes on the site. In a statement, the authority said:
“This is an allocated strategic site in the South Downs Local Plan and there were a number of reasons to refuse this application. These included no provision for the relocation of bus facilities, no provision for affordable housing, and design that failed to conserve and enhance the conservation area.”
Spokesperson Jeff Travis confirmed that no further planning application had been received.
Commenting on the bus station’s closure, Generator Group said: “After 18 months of engagement we have had to consider our options for the commercial future of the site, including the potential for alternative revenue-generating uses. This regrettably necessitates securing vacant possession of the property.”
Stagecoach sold the bus station in 2006, at which time it was agreed that East Sussex County Council bus companies could temporarily use the tarmac areas of the bus station for dropping off and picking up passengers only.
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