May 4th, 2020.


Lewes District and Eastbourne Borough Councils have compiled a 24-page booklet to celebrate the centenary of the Addison Act, which started large scale building of social housing in the UK.

The booklet tells how Dr Christopher Addison recognised that good quality housing had a direct link to health and wellbeing. As a result, he guided the Housing and Town Planning Act through Parliament, paving the way for funding to councils to build 500,000 homes over three years.

Also included in the publication are residents’ personal memories of housing in Lewes district and Eastbourne from years past, views on how it has changed and stories of its significance in people’s lives.

The booklet showcases an array of old photographs illustrating the developments in local housing.

In addition, it contains an article about The Addison, the first development of new council properties completed through Aspiration Homes - a partnership between Eastbourne Borough Council and Lewes District Council.

Councillor William Meyer, Cabinet member for Housing at Lewes District Council, said: “In 1919, there was a need for ‘homes fit for heroes’ and significantly through the Addison Act, finance was provided for half a million houses.

"I'm proud our own Aspiration Homes initiative is starting to meet the housing demand in our district."


The booklet is available to download HERE.