The government has approved changes to local authority boundaries that will place East Saltdean, Peacehaven and Telscombe inside an expanded Brighton & Hove City Council area from April 2028. The announcement followed a review of local government structures intended to replace two‑tier arrangements with single unitary authorities.
Immediate reaction from local councils
Lewes District Council’s leader, Zoe Nicholson, described the decision as deeply upsetting for residents and said the council is exploring legal options. Andy Woolley, leader of East Sussex County Council, has also signalled that he and colleagues will consider a legal challenge.
"I'm furious, frustrated and disappointed on behalf of residents. People here really don't want to be part of Brighton and Hove,"
Bella Sankey, leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, called the change an "important decision for residents", arguing the altered border better reflects how people live and travel in the area. A department spokesperson said the boundary movements aim to address housing affordability and support growth across connected communities.
Local objections and practical concerns
Councillors in Lewes have said consultations repeatedly showed residents wished to remain in Lewes district. Deputy leader Christine Robinson warned that the move is not based on public preference or sound financial sense. Opponents also say closer integration with Brighton & Hove risks higher population density and taller development in coastal towns.
Officials have warned that the transition will be complex because services are currently split across district and county levels. Reports indicate the reshaping and separation of functions is likely to carry a tangible cost to local government finances.
- Towns affected: East Saltdean, Peacehaven, Telscombe
- Implement from: April 2028
- Potential responses: Legal challenge under consideration by Lewes District and East Sussex County councils
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Towns moving to Brighton & Hove | East Saltdean, Peacehaven, Telscombe |
| Effective date | April 2028 |
| Government rationale | Address housing affordability and support growth in connected communities |
Residents affected will see local services, planning decisions and council tax arrangements transfer to Brighton & Hove. That process will require detailed work to reassign responsibilities now shared between Lewes District Council and East Sussex County Council.
For now, the announcement has set in motion a period of consultation between the councils involved and the department responsible for housing and communities. If legal action is pursued it could delay aspects of the reorganisation or require the government to defend its decisions in court.
Local people seeking clarity should contact their current district or county councillors about how the change will affect specific services such as waste collection, schooling, planning permissions and council tax billing over the coming months.
