Norman Baker MP Member of Parliament for Lewes constituency
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Contact Norman at:
Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
Email: info
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2003 (and previous) press releases
MP Calls On Wealden Council To Move Up A Couple of Gears Following Polegate Car Park Decision
Polegate's MP Norman Baker says the decision of the Planning Inspectorate to allow the appeal for building on the main car park in Polegate is a blow to the town.
He says: "This decision, although perhaps not unexpected, will be very unpopular in the town, given the heavy use made of that car park by shoppers and others. Of course the reason that Polegate is now in such a vulnerable position in parking terms is because over the years, Wealden District Council has relied heavily on the one major car park, and one which it does not control. The lesson is that you don't put all your eggs in one basket, particularly if you don't own the basket.
"I have previously raised with the council the need to be proactive and provide some of their own off-street parking in Polegate, and met the Chief Executive to discuss this. To be fair, the council was not unsympathetic, and I know it has commissioned work to consider the best way forward. That is helpful and sensible. The situation is complicated because the council needs to factor in not only this decision, but the availability of off-street parking, the effect of the extra house-building planned, and even the possibility of a Polegate Parkway station, which may be created as part of planning gain from a large development.
"I do not therefore underestimate the difficulties, but in the light of this planning decision, they do now need to get a move on."