Plans to build a three-storey building with nine flats in Bognor have been refused although council officers concluded the development’s design and parking were acceptable.
The proposal for 63 Annandale Avenue, faced 35 letters of objection from neighbours and nearby residents with concerns over overcrowding, parking and the large size of the building in comparison to other properties on the street.
James Bonney, one of the neighbours, said: “The scale and density are excessive for the site and would result in a cramped development that is out of keeping with the established character of Annandale Avenue.”
Many residents shared his concern adding that it would place strain on the already limited parking space.
Martin Day said: “There is also a veterinary clinic close to the proposed site. I would ask that consideration be given to how construction traffic, noise, disruption and any resulting access difficulties could affect the clinic and its customers.”
Bognor Town Council also objected to the application, saying the development would be “unduly dominant within the street scene” with concerns over the scale and bulk of the proposed building.
However, planning officers did not agree with all the issues raised. They said: “Whilst the description states three storeys, the building would appear as two storey with accommodation within the roof.” Therefore, they argued that it would not be ‘overbearing’ nor impact the overall character of the street.
They did acknowledge that the proposal did not meet the council’s parking standards, with only three spaces for nine flats. However, a parking survey showed that the surrounding roads were at 81% capacity between 1am-5am. Officers concluded that limitations to parking parking were not a sufficient reason for refusal.
Instead, the application was ultimately refused based on a number of technical issues. These included the lack of necessary bat surveys, a missing biodiversity net gain plan and the fact that required groundwater and infiltration testing had not been conducted.
Additionally, the developer failed to secure a contribution to Pagham Harbour strategic access management, totalling £8,766 or £974 per flat.
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