Morrisons has submitted updated proposals to Lewes District Council for a new supermarket in Peacehaven.
The proposals include a 25,000 sq. ft store, featuring its popular ‘Market Street’ with specialist butchers, bakers and fishmongers, alongside landscaped public spaces, new retail and supporting infrastructure.
To ensure the supermarket can be delivered as soon as possible, Morrisons will be submitting its proposals as a hybrid planning application comprising two parts. The first part being detailed plans for the supermarket, parking facilities and public spaces, including the new town square. The second part being outline proposals for further 40,000 sq. ft of retail space which could include several drive-thru units such as coffee or sandwich shops on the eastern part of the site.
By submitting a hybrid application, Morrisons will be able to move at pace to deliver the supermarket (subject to planning consent), while also safeguarding the opportunity for further development on the eastern part of the site. Further details for the eastern part of the site will be submitted in the coming months.
As part of the revised proposals, Morrisons has confirmed that Peacehaven Library and Community House will be retained. While alternative plans for Peacehaven Library had previously been considered, both will now remain in their current form, with some renovations to their exteriors. This reflects their important role for Peacehaven residents and will help to ensure these spaces remain available throughout the redevelopment period.
To help reduce the development’s carbon footprint and meet Morrisons commitment to Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050, the Peacehaven store will incorporate electric vehicle (EV) charging points and photovoltaic panels on the store roof for solar electricity generation.
Morrisons initially received a planning resolution from Lewes District Council’s planning committee for the redevelopment of the Meridian Centre in 2023. Before formal planning approval was granted, however, development was paused, and Morrisons has since been reviewing the scheme to ensure that it is deliverable and meets the needs of Peacehaven residents.
Justin Lawrence, Development Manager at Morrisons, said: “We recognise the importance of this development to the residents of Peacehaven, and we appreciate people’s patience. We have worked with the council’s officers to ensure our plans align with local priorities and are deliverable. We now look forward sharing them with the community with a view to securing planning approval for the supermarket in the coming months.”
Further information about latest proposals will be available in the coming days on Morrisons’ dedicated project website: www.morrisonspeacehaven.co.uk
Plans will shortly be available in full on the council’s planning portal (planning application LW/23/0018), where you will be able to participate in the council’s consultation and provide feedback.
If you’ve any questions about latest proposals, these can be submitted to the Morrisons project team at morrisonspeacehaven@camargue.uk