Martin Elliott, of Lewes-based developers Rees Elliott, said the retailer was interested in taking the 'lion's share' of the site but would not confirm who it was.

Mr Elliott was one of three developers who, together with district council planners, met Lewes Chamber of Commerce members on Tuesday.

Mr Elliott insisted the development would not go ahead until a new home was found for the bus station.

He said: 'There will be a phased relocation of the bus facility.

'A national retailer is interested in taking the lion's share of that particular site.'

He said the new store would be on two floors.

Mr Elliott hoped to reveal his plans by the end of the year.
He said: 'It would be lovely to think we could get a planning application in by the end of the year and we are doing our damndest to do that.'

Mr Elliott said a planning application was also imminent for the development of the old Harveys depot in Pinwell Road.

At the same meeting Charles Style of Angel Property, who has proposed hundreds of new homes with shops called the Phoenix Quarter, said he hoped to put forward a planning application for the development of the North Street area by late June.

Mr Style said the work would be carried out in four phases and he estimated building work would take six years to complete.

Barratt Southern Counties also sent a spokesman to the meeting to discuss its plans for the land currently occupied by the Wenban Smith timber yard.

Planning consultant Geoff Armstrong said the company had appealed against Lewes District Council's decision to refuse permission for 66 flats.

Mr Armstrong said the appeal was due to begin in three weeks, but after making adjustments to its plans - including reducing the proposed number of car parking spaces from 66 to 50 - the company has managed to stop objections from the Highways Agency and Environment Agency.

What new retailer does Lewes need?

Email: sussex.express@sussexnewspapers.co.uk

or comment below.

Definitely MARKS AND SPENCER for clothing and food.
Penny