New deep water harbour hope

Two weeks ago housing developer Oakdene Homes, which is currently building flats on the West Quay, confirmed it was in the advanced stages of buying the port. On Monday, the town's MP, Norman Baker, met company bosses and was given a presentation of the port plans, which include the new harbour, building a long-awaited port access road and quayside housing and public space

Mr Baker said: 'Although we will obviously need to see the details in due course, I think the broad outline produced by Oakdene is a sensible one which will be good for Newhaven. It will produce a viable port for the 21st century, and improve the look of the port.

'There is a need for significant investment, so clearly any scheme for the port will have to recognise that and ensure the figures add up.'

Mr Baker said he pressed Oakdene on the importance of maintaining rail access to the quayside and asked that movement of freight by rail be part of the redevelopment plans.

He also pressed for an early start on work to the breakwater which has caused controversy since its closure on safety grounds almost two years ago.

Oakdene said it hoped to start this work in the spring.

Mr Baker then went on to meet the chairman and chief executive of the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), Jim Braithwaite and Pam Alexander.

He said he asked the agency to play a proactive role in the future of the port and was told it was keen to help the port be a success.

Mr Baker said: 'It was very useful to be able to sit down in Lewes with the key people from SEEDA to emphasise the importance local people, including myself, attach to the future of Newhaven port.

'I was encouraged by SEEDA's positive response. They have promised to take forward matters we discussed and I look forward to an update and a further meeting in due course.

'I have never stopped believing in Newhaven.

'It is well situated geographically and has tremendous potential.

'It is now vitally important that Oakdene's plans are produced as soon as possible, and that SEEDA now turn their attention to Newhaven, which they recognise is an important regional asset.'