We have written to the leader of Lewes District Council encouraging the council to take action on Talland Parade. 

Dear Zoe,

As Seaford councillors, we have heard many times how fed up people are with the Talland Parade site. Over a decade of boarded-up shopfronts, scaffolding, and broken promises has done real damage to our town. Seaford deserves better and we are writing to encourage you to take any steps you can to get the site finally cleared up.
We welcome the recent engagement with council officers and the Government to take the site forward. We write, after our MP James MacCleary and county Councillor Carolyn Lambert, along with a representative from Lewes District Council whom James invited, met with the government. At this meeting, they discussed the option of using new compulsory purchase order powers introduced by the current government to take the site off the owners and into the hands of the council.

We are writing to ask for your commitment as Leader of the Council to ensure all action necessary is taken to clear up the site. We propose that: Talland Parade will be included in the Local Plan as a priority site, that Cabinet approves necessary steps to put a case together to purchase the site and, that the Council commits to delivering truly affordable social homes on the site.

We don’t run the Council—but we represent the community most affected by this ongoing saga. Our job is to raise Seaford’s voice and encourage action in our town from the councils. We’re ready to work with you to make progress, but we’ll also keep pushing to ensure this key site in the centre of the largest town in the district doesn’t drift off the agenda.

Yours sincerely,

Cllr Lesley Boniface (Seaford West)
Cllr Christina Bristow (Seaford West)
Cllr Christine Brett (Seaford South)
Cllr Stephen Gauntlett (Seaford Central)
Cllr Freddie Hoareau (Seaford Central)
Cllr Olivia Honeyman (Seaford South)
Cllr Carolyn Lambert (Seaford South County Councillor)

Lewes MP James MacCleary has slammed East Sussex County Council for its failure to deliver progress on the long-delayed Exceat Bridge project, branding the delays and spiralling costs a waste of taxpayers’ money.

Despite years of promises from the previous Conservative MP and Government, the project remains mired in setbacks. The initial estimated cost of £10.5m — including nearly £8m in Levelling Up funding — has since ballooned, with £4.6m already spent on legal fees, land acquisition, and planning, yet no construction has started.

At its Cabinet meeting on 4 March 2025, East Sussex County Council deferred the decision on the Exceat Bridge project. The Cabinet resolved to defer consideration of this item in light of different funding options and tasked officers with investigating the issues and potential solutions raised by local stakeholders. A report is to be brought back to Cabinet, while the Council reviews funding streams—including the possibility of using funds from the Bus Services Improvements Plan—as the scale and options for the project are re-evaluated.

The council is now proposing a single-lane bridge with permanent traffic lights, at an estimated total cost of £9.7m. James MacCleary MP has welcomed this as the only realistic solution within the current budget. The current temporary traffic lights were installed at the request of Seaford County Councillor Carolyn Lambert.

James has written to East Sussex County Council, requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the project’s future, the need to reduce disruption, and the importance of proper consultation with local communities.

James said: “This is a sad case of East Sussex County Council’s indecision and failure, massively letting down local residents. Residents are rightly furious — the council has wasted millions of pounds without producing any results. The people of Seaford and surrounding villages like East Dean deserve better.

“The council just needs to commit to a plan, engage with residents and councillors, and get on with it. Enough dithering — we need action, not more delays and excuses. While the single-lane bridge with traffic lights is the only realistic solution within the current budget, we must ensure it’s delivered with minimal disruption and proper consultation. I was concerned that a two-lane bridge would increase traffic and speeding through Seaford and nearby villages, making safety a serious issue.

“I am calling for an urgent meeting with the council to discuss these concerns and ensure local voices are heard. Though the council continues to postpone decisive action, we need clear communication, proper consultation, and a real commitment to getting this project right.”

Councillor Carolyn Lambert, Liberal Democrat County Councillor for Seaford, added: “The Exceat Bridge project has been dragging on for far too long at enormous cost to taxpayers. Local businesses and residents are appalled by the proposed 22-week road closure and the lack of meaningful engagement. It’s time for the council to listen and take action.”

The future of the critical A259 improvements between Newhaven and Seaford remains uncertain, following years of overpromising and under delivering by the previous Conservative government.

The scheme was promised as part of the Major Road Network (MRN) programme by the former Lewes Conservative MP. However, despite big promises, funding was never secured, leaving the project vulnerable.

With a change of government, the new Labour administration has initiated a review of transport projects, further delaying progress. Local Liberal Democrat MP James MacCleary is now urging Labour ministers to back the A259 upgrades and commit to this vital investment for Seaford and Newhaven.

East Sussex County Council submitted the business case over a year ago, but the Department for Transport has yet to confirm the next steps.

James MacCleary, Lib Dem MP for Lewes constituency said, "People in Newhaven and Seaford have been let down time and again.These roads are in dire need of an update. Whether it's traffic backing up through Newhaven from accidents on the bends, or the dangerous Bishopstone junction action improvements are needed.

"The previous Conservative MP made grand claims about delivering improvements to the A259 but finding out the funding hadn't been secured is incredibly poor. Now, Labour's review risks pushing this vital project even further down the line.

“I am determined to ensure this project remains on the agenda. Our community cannot wait any longer for the investment we need.”

Seaford West District Councillor, Lesley Boniface said, "It's bitterly disappointing that the County Council have wasted so much money on consultation, just to be caught up in another review.

"We've seen lorries flipping over,  and massive traffic jams. Local people really just want to  feel safe on the roads and the clogged up roads and dangerous junctions sorted out. We'll be encouraging the County Council to be taking action outside of the Major Road Network study." 

James MacCleary, MP for Lewes, has taken the ongoing Talland Parade saga to the government, meeting with Alex Norris MP, Minister in the Department for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, to push for action.

Joined by Cllr Carolyn Lambert and Lewes District Council representatives, James asked the government for support with the use of a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to bring the site into council ownership for the development of council homes.

Advice from the department suggest that recent updates to government advice and legislation now make a CPO a viable solution, giving the council the tools needed to take action. James is committed to working with the council to ensure this opportunity is taken up.

The Talland Parade site has remained undeveloped for more than a decade, despite having planning permission. The site has fallen into disrepair leading to the closure of local shops. In the meeting organised by James, the council presented photos and outlined the history of attempted actions, including a high court case led by Lib Dem Seaford councillor Stephen Gauntlett and local residents which resulted in the removal of the anti-social scaffolding on the site. The developer has repeatedly done minimal work before halting and has avoided significant progress over several years.

James MacCleary MP said: "Over a decade has passed since planning permission was granted, and Seaford has suffered enough. I'm pleased the minister took the time to meet with me and was positive in engaging on the best steps to take next.

 "It's time to take bold action. I'll work closely with Lewes District Council to make the case for a CPO and finally end this blight on our community."

Cllr Carolyn Lambert, County Councillor for Seaford South said: "I am very pleased the minister met with us and very much hope we can now unlock the potential of this key site. Residents of Seaford, including me, have had to put up with the non-action of this cynical developer for far too long."

James MacCleary, Member of Parliament for Lewes, has formally proposed that Lewes District Council apply for Blue Flag status for Seaford Beach. The initiative, supported by local councillors, is seen as a way to enhance the town's beach and boost local tourism.

In a letter addressed to Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council, James highlighted the numerous benefits that Blue Flag certification could bring to Seaford Beach, including higher standards for water quality, cleanliness, and safety. The certification would also promote environmental awareness and further attract visitors to the seafront, helping local businesses.

He urged the council to begin the application process for the Blue Flag certification and assess the requirements necessary to meet its criteria.

James MacCleary has been a passionate advocate for cleaner coastlines, actively campaigning against the ongoing sewage dumping scandal affecting local beaches and waterways. He has consistently called out the previous government and water companies for their failures to address the issue, which has seen raw sewage polluting cherished swimming spots and natural habitats. Alongside his drive to stop these damaging discharges, and as a Newhaven resident, James is committed to improving and revitalizing local seafronts, pushing initiatives like the Blue Flag certification for Seaford Beach to ensure clean, safe, and thriving coastal environments for residents and visitors alike.

James MacCleary MP said in the letter: "I want to promote Seaford Beach to be the best it can be. Achieving Blue Flag status would be a step in the right direction. It would not only ensure the beach meets rigorous environmental standards but also enhance its appeal to both residents and visitors, benefiting the local economy."

James added:  “Our coastline is one of our greatest natural assets, yet it continues to be threatened by sewage discharges. I will keep fighting to hold those responsible to account and work toward creating cleaner, safer seafronts that our community can be proud of.”

Councillor Christine Brett (Seaford South) said: “Seaford Beach is truly one of the gems of our region, with its unspoiled views, beautiful bay, and the stunning chalk cliffs that stretch along the coast. Nestled next to the South Downs National Park, it offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and tranquillity, making it a cherished spot for both locals and visitors. We have an incredible opportunity to enhance and protect this wonderful beach, and achieving Blue Flag status would be a fantastic step toward ensuring its long-term preservation.”

The letter is below: 
James MacCleary MP
Member of Parliament for Lewes
Office of James MacCleary at 4a Fisher St, Lewes BN7 2DQ James.MacCleary.MP@parliament.uk
To:
Zoe Nicholson
Leader
Lewes District Council
Dear Zoe,

I am writing to propose Lewes District Council apply for Blue Flag status for Seaford Beach. This initiative has the support of local councillors, and I believe it would significantly benefit the town, and its beach.

Blue Flag certification is a mark of a well maintained beach, this includes: Minimum standards for water quality, cleanliness, and safety. It can boost tourism and promote the seafront, which has the potential to be great for local businesses. Additionally, it promotes environmental awareness, helping us maintain the natural beauty of our coastline.

I want to promote Seaford Beach to be the best it can be. Achieving Blue Flag status would be a step in the right direction. I urge the council to start the application process and assess what we need to meet the Blue Flag criteria.
Thank you for considering this proposal.

Best,
James MacCleary MP
Member of Parliament for Lewes

The Labour government has updated guidance on compulsory purchase orders which could finally offer a solution to the Talland Parade eyesore in the centre of Seaford.

Talland Parade is a building in Seaford town centre which has had planning permission for ten flats for over a decade. The building has fallen into disrepair and caused significant damage to the surrounding area, including businesses closing, unsafe risks during storms, several council interventions required to safely secure the area and most recently with pieces of rubble falling off the building.

Cllr Carolyn Lambert explains: "Previously, the council was not able to use compulsory purchase legislation to buy a single building. James MacCleary MP asked a parliamentary question to request that local councils be given compulsory purchase powers for stalled development sites with planning permission. The reply indicates that guidance has been updated which may offer a way forward for Talland Parade.

"We are now challenging the Green administration who run Lewes District Council to support Seaford residents and to explore the ways in which they could use these changed powers to finally solve the unacceptable mess that remains at the centre of the town.

"I will be writing to the Green Leader of the Council to ask for this to be explored as a matter of urgency."

James MacCleary, MP for Lewes, said: "Councils should have much greater power to set the direction for sites of major interest to their communities.

"The answer from the minister is encouraging, and I will pass this on to the council so that they can use it to push for further action on the blight of Talland Parade in the centre of Seaford."

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Question From James MacCleary MP:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of giving local councils compulsory purchase powers for stalled development sites with planning permission. (7671)

Tabled on: 07 October 2024

Answer:
Matthew Pennycook:

Local authorities already have various compulsory purchase powers to acquire and develop land which could include stalled development sites with planning permission. The Government is keen for authorities to make greater use of their compulsory purchase powers to support the regeneration and growth of their areas where appropriate, provided there is a compelling case in the public interest. To assist local authorities in using their powers, this Government has recently published updated guidance on the compulsory purchase process reforms introduced by the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023. This can be found at here.