PLANS to demolish a bus station and replace it with housing have been recommended for refusal by a national park.

Director of planning for the South Downs National Park Tim Slaney recommended that the plans for a new four-storey housing development at the site in Eastgate Street in Lewes be refused.

He cited a lack of provision for the bus station’s relocation, a lack of affordable housing in the plans, and the overbearing form of the development in a conservation area.

The recommendation has been sent to the South Downs planning committee which will decide on the application on September 8.

Councillor Adrian Ross, who led a campaign objecting to the plans, welcomed the recommendation.

He said: “It is great that South Downs officers have agreed with all of our objections and have made the right recommendation on this for residents, visitors, businesses and the environment alike.

“Although the final decision will be made by the planning committee, it is hard to see them overturning the recommendation in favour of approval. This feels like an important battle won.”

East Sussex County Councillor Wendy Maples said that developers should call off plans to close the bus station to “avoid the traffic chaos which will inevitably follow”.

She said: “This is great news, but we still need to secure a permanent bus station for the town. We need a serious plan for future services and compulsory purchase should be on the agenda.”

Developer Generation Group hit back at claims last month that the bus station's closure would negatively impact passengers and businesses.

In a statement, they said: "After 18 months of engagement we have had to consider our options for the commercial future of the site, including the potential for alternative revenue generating uses.

This regrettably necessitates securing vacant possession of the property.

"It was agreed by the owner of the site at the time that East Sussex County Council and the bus companies could on a temporary licence basis continue to use the tarmac areas of the bus station for dropping off and picking up passengers only.

"The site has not housed a bus station since Southdown Motor Services/ Stagecoach sold it off in 2006 when it was deemed no longer operationally necessary/viable and ceased being used as a bus station, office and bus garaging."