Concerns continue over approved plans for hundreds of new homes in Westhampnett

Concerns over worsening traffic remain after plans for up to 265 homes and an 80-bed care home in Westhampnett were approved by Chichester District Council.

The outline application from Teren Project Management Ltd covers land at Maudlin Farm in Dairy Lane and was approved by the council’s planning committee on Wednesday 9 September.

The site has already been allocated for housing under policy A10 of the council’s Local Plan, with access to the development set to be provided from Old Arundel Road.

However, much of the concern surrounding the proposals has focused on the impact of additional traffic through Westhampnett, particularly around the mini-roundabout junction with Stane Street.

Maudlin residents told V2 Radio: "Legitimate concerns about the planned dangerous access point were validated by Councillors at a recent planning meeting, despite having no option but to approve the application as it meets all criteria.

"Residents are also concerned about the increased traffic on a road that is already narrower than the highway minimum guidelines and the impact it will have on Maudlin."

Councillor John Cross, Liberal Democrat member for Fittleworth, said his initial reaction when considering cars “funnelling their way to that junction” was “oh my God”.

However, he acknowledged that the applicant had complied with the requirements set out in the council’s own planning policy.

He said: “If I was to object to this, it most certainly would be overturned by an inspector and they would incur massive charges on us for going against our own policy.

“So whilst I’m not happy about this junction – I can see there are going to be huge problems going forward – I can see no reason why this planning committee could turn this application down – regrettably.”

The council received dozens of objections to the development, including two petitions, while four parish councils also raised objections.

Councillor Henry Potter, Conservative member for Goodwood, spoke in a personal capacity rather than as a member of the planning committee.

He said he was not opposed to the housing itself but was concerned that the impact of additional traffic could not be “safely and sustainably met”.

He also warned that conditions at the junction could “dramatically worsen”.

The proposed development would include 34 one-bedroom homes, 91 two-bedroom properties – including 25 flats or maisonettes – 89 three-bedroom homes and 51 four-bedroom properties.

Thirty per cent of the homes are expected to be classed as affordable housing.

Traffic safety measures planned for the mini-roundabout junction include additional signage and anti-skid road markings.

The outline application can be viewed through Chichester District Council’s planning portal by searching for reference 25/01662/OUT.

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