Fontwell 64 homes approved

Plans for 64 homes in Fontwell have been approved by Arun District Council, despite objections from Walberton Parish Council over drainage, sewer capacity and pressure on local services.

The application was submitted in March but was considered at the latest Planning Committee meeting on October 21.

The developer plans to build on land off Arundel Road in Fontwell, including 64 homes, parking, open space, a play area and landscaping.

Planning officers recommended that permission be granted if certain requirements were met and an agreement was made on payments towards local facilities and services.

This includes provisions such as affordable housing, secondary school transport, travel plan monitoring and biodiversity management.

Kevin Byrne, a nearby resident to the site, spoke at the meeting and said: “I submitted two formal objections in March and having read the Planning Officer’s report I remain concerned that some important safety and infrastructure questions have not been adequately answered.

His first concern was with safe access to his driveway, which is opposite the proposed entrance of the site, in light of the additional planned junction. His second objection was based on the capacity of the sewage network.

He added: “There are only two properties on this road today. My property and neighbouring home already uses the local sewage network. Southern Water says there is sufficient capacity but the report provides no detailed assessment demonstrating how the existing downstream pipes will cope.”

West Sussex County Council’s Lead Local Flood Authority maintained its objection in September after reviewing updated documents submitted by the applicant.

However, planning officers concluded the application should not be refused solely because of the disagreement over drainage standards. They said the benefits of providing homes to meet housing needs outweighed the conflict.

Walberton Parish Council raised concerns back in April 2026, saying it objected to the scheme on sustainability grounds and questioned whether the proposed drainage system could meet requirements.

It also raised concerns about the capacity of the existing sewer network, highlighting flooding issues in Walberton and nearby Barnham.

The parish council called for further evidence on surface water drainage, and said the development should not be occupied until the capacity in the sewer network to carry wastewater away from homes had been increased.

However, the planning report states the site is within Arun’s built up area boundary, where planning policy allows housing in principle.

The development will exceed Walberton Neighbourhood Development Plan’s allocation for the site of approximately 40 homes. Planning officers consider the proposal acceptable under national planning policy, despite the higher number of homes.

Jack Caragalls spoke on behalf of the applicant and said: “The proposal will deliver 64 high quality homes including 19 affordable dwellings and a financial obligation making an important contribution towards addressing the district’s housing land supply shortfall.”

He added: “It would also deliver significant environmental benefits including 150 new trees, biodiversity net gains of 28% for habitats and 169% for hedgerows alongside improvements to the existing public footpath.”

Councillor Mel Penycate, who’s ward covers Fontwell, said: “The developers have pulled out of an agreed permission which allowed space for a community building. They’ve returned with an increased number of residential properties and no space for this vital piece of infrastructure.”

The proposal follows an earlier outline application for up to 56 homes and a standalone community building, which was approved by the planning committee in January 2025. This application was later withdrawn after the legal agreement was not completed.

The application was ultimately approved by councillors on October 21, subject to a Section 106 agreement.

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