Newhaven still needs its new library

1.43.00pm GMT Tue 24th Feb 2009

Cllr. David Rogers waiting and hoping for Newhaven's new library

At long last, the planning application for our new Library has been put in by the developer. This follows pressure from Newhaven's county councillor David Rogers, who - at every recent council meeting - has asked why there's been no progress for nearly a year.

Now we need a rapid decision from the district's Planning Applications Committee, and then for the developer to make a prompt start on construction. The scheme will include affordable flats, so that will be good for meeting local housing needs too.

Cllr. Rogers said: "I'm keeping my fingers crossed that 2009 will see this actually happen. Then the derelict site at the corner of Meeching Road and South Way will come to life, welcoming people into Newhaven town centre."

• Question by Councillor David Rogers to Councillor Bob Tidy, Lead Member for Community Services

At the last Council meeting, two months ago, Cllr. Tidy indicated in relation to Newhaven's new library that "The next key step is the submission of the planning application by the developer. The repeated delays in this being achieved have been caused by additional discussions, preparatory work and minor amendments being needed as a result of pre application discussions with Lewes District Council (the planning authority)." and that "The latest advice is that submission of the application is due early in the New Year."

Now that the "early New Year" is almost gone, and one full year has passed since the county council agreed the funding, what further delay to this scheme - if any - does Cllr. Tidy regard as acceptable? Additionally, since December's answer, the former Woolworth's store next to the current library has fallen vacant, and many residents of Newhaven are saying that this would form a suitable building for a new library. Would Cllr. Tidy please comment on this possibility?

Answer by Councillor Bob Tidy

The County Council remains strongly committed to improving the current library facilities in Newhaven. Work with the developers, James Rees, has confirmed that they are fully committed to proceeding with this project. The delay in submitting the application has been frustrating, but it is important to maximise the likelihood of successfully gaining permission to avoid delays at a later stage. The work in recent months work has been focused on minimising that risk. This further due diligence work has taken some time but ESCC has remained in close contact with the developers, in what are difficult economic times, to ensure they remained committed to progressing the scheme. The latest information is that the architects, Morgan Carn, submitted a planning application on Friday 6 February. No further delays with the planning application submission are anticipated.

In order to ensure all options are kept under review, the potential of the vacant Woolworth's shop in Newhaven has already been evaluated. As it is approximately 8,500 square feet (790 square metres) it is considerably larger than the space required by the population of Newhaven or indeed that is affordable (especially as it is being offered only on a short leasehold). In order to provide for future population growth and service development the proposed new library development will be 6168 square feet (573 square metres). This exceeds the existing recommendations of 32m2 per 1000 population. In addition to size and cost, location of the new library is also important. The proposed new library will offer parking for customers with disability permits and other parking is located very nearby. The new building will also be fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act and will be accessible from a level entrance from both the ground and first floor. This is achievable due to the fact that the site is on a gradient. The Woolworth site is on two floors, only one of which is easily accessible for people with mobility issues and parents and carers with young children in buggies etc.

Having reviewed the progress on the current proposal and kept other opportunities under careful review, we remain confident that the existing approach is the one most likely to deliver the improved facilities Newhaven needs. In the mean time the current library continues to offer a good quality of service with over 76, 000 visits and 54,000 items loaned during 2007/2008.