The Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) sets the standard and approach we take to involve stakeholders and the community in consulting on planning matters. This includes the handling of major planning applications. It is intended to 'signpost' opportunities for anyone who wishes to make a contribution to planning for our future.
Lewes District Council has adopted the ‘Statement of Community Involvement’ on 20 July 2020. The document sets out how and when the Council will provide opportunities for the community to contribute to the planning process, including local plan preparation and the consideration of planning applications. It is split into four main sections as follows:
- Overview of the Planning System
- Plan Making
- Neighbourhood Planning
- Development Management
Any person aggrieved by the decision of Lewes District Council to adopt the Revised Statement of Community Involvement may apply to the High Court for permission to apply for Judicial Review of the decision. Any such application must be made promptly and in any event not later than 3 months after the date of adoption. Due to Covid-19 measures, the Council is legally obliged to close its offices. Therefore, people with limited access to internet have the possibility to request a paper copy of the planning document.
COVID 19
Due to the special circumstances the following temporary measures are in place.
We made one temporarily change to the Basic Consultation Methods:
- When the Council is legally obliged to close its offices as part of measures to retain social distance people with limited access to internet can request a paper copy of the planning document. Where possible, this copy will be supplied free of charge.
To the Additional Consultation Methods we will include temporarily the following two methods:
- Virtual exhibitions – This is an online exhibition with the option for the public to ask questions and to comment on the proposed planning matters.
- Telephone conferencing – When the consultation takes place in a period of social distancing special effort will be made to reach out for people with limited access to internet. They can contact planning officers to bring forward their questions or comments in telephone conferences on specific topics. The possibility of this option will be published in the local media, posters or leaflets.
Planning Policy Team Lewes District Council
Email: ldf@lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk
Telephone: 01273 471600
Southover House
Southover Road
Lewes
BN7 1AB
