The Railway is very pleased to confirm that we have now received planning consent from Lewes District Council for the buildings proposed for this project. These comprise the new 3-road 17-vehicle carriage shed, the new Museum and interpretation centre building and the new toilet block on Platform 2, the relocated Withyham signal box which will form part of the Museum display and the relocated locomotive boiler washout pit.
A number of conditions are attached to the consent. These comprise requirements as to the approval of external and surfacing materials, a sustainable surface water drainage system, and landscaping schemes. In addition conditions regarding the discovery of unexpected contamination on the site and for the protection of the vulnerable riverbank are also attached. The development stage is subject to the usual restrictions on hours of work. We are advised by our design consultants that we shall be able to comply with all these conditions in carrying out the development.
Our Stage Two application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for some £2.85 million to fund this development is now at a critical stage. We completed the submission of all the plans, drawings and specifications, cost plans and the various supporting documentation to the HLF by 31st December. The detailed project designs have been the subject of intense scrutiny by the HLF Case Officer and Project Monitors appointed on behalf of the Fund and they are shortly to report their conclusions. We understand that our application will be brought before the HLF Trustees' meeting on 18th March and we expect the outcome to be known shortly after that. Subject to HLF approval of our proposed publicity and press releases, we hope to be in a position to announce the outcome shortly afterwards.
Nicholas Pryor
Funding Director
Page created 27 February 2008 by Richard Salmon