Nine homes refused in Halnaker

Tuesday, 18 August 2026 10:00

By Karen Dunn, Local Democracy Reporter

Developers have been urged to ‘go back to the drawing board’ after plans to build nine homes in Halnaker were refused by Chichester District Council.

The application from Shorewood Welton Place LLP, to build behind The Folly, in Tinwood Lane, was given the thumbs-down by the planning committee, despite being supported by Boxgrove Parish Council.

Seven reasons were given for the refusal, including the ‘excessive size’ of the homes, the site being outside the settlement boundary, and the development failing to make ‘efficient use of land’ due to the layout and size of the homes.

Had it been approved, the development would have been made up of two two-bedroom, three three-bedroom, and four four-bedroom houses, with access from Stane Street (A285).

While the applicant felt the development would ‘deliver much-needed new homes for the parish’, the committee had concerns.

Some said the development was ‘deliverable’ but others were not happy with the housing mix or that none of the homes would be classed as affordable. There were also concerns that bat habitats would not be properly safeguarded.

Donna Johnson (Green & Local Alliance, Sidlesham & Selsey North) said she was not opposed to the development in principle but felt it ‘could be better’. She suggested that the developers ‘go back to the drawing board’ and work with officers to come up with something better.

It was a view shared by chairman Charles Todhunter (Lib Dem, Loxwood), who described it as the ‘right location’ but ‘wrong proposal’.

The application was refused by seven votes to zero with one abstention. To view it in full, log on to publicaccess.chichester.gov.uk and search for 25/01874/FUL.

Amazing HALF PRICE local offers! Save money and get a great deal at V2vouchers.co.uk

More from Local News

Housing costs and lack of career opportunities threaten young people’s future in Adur, Arun and Worthing

Young people could be driven away from Adur, Arun and Worthing by high housing costs and a lack of career opportunities, according to a new economic strategy.
Chichester MP calls for action as fewer than 6% of Sussex burglaries result in charge or summons

Liberal Democrat analysis of Home Office figures suggests just 5.49% of burglaries recorded in Sussex during 2025 resulted in someone being charged or summonsed. Chichester MP Jess Brown-Fuller is calling for tougher guarantees for victims.
St Leonards woman acquitted of drug dealing offences

A woman charged with drug offences has been found not guilty at Lewes Crown Court.
Original props from new D-Day film Pressure go on display in Portsmouth

Props used in the new film Pressure, starring Andrew Scott and Brendan Fraser, have gone on display at The D-Day Story in Portsmouth ahead of the film’s cinema release on 9 September.
Sussex reptile rescue launches urgent appeal for permanent home

The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre is searching for land, a building or other long-term premises in West Sussex as it looks to expand its rescue, rehabilitation and education work.
Newport heritage attractions to open free as part of Heritage Open Days

The Museum of Island History and Newport Roman Villa will both offer free entry on special dates this September as part of Heritage Open Days, giving residents and visitors the chance to explore more of the Isle of Wight’s past.
Horsham families offered support as back-to-school costs reach hundreds of pounds

Horsham Matters is reminding families that financial and practical support is available as the cost of uniforms, shoes, sportswear and stationery adds pressure to household budgets at the start of the new school year.
Sussex researchers explore virtual reality to help ease pain for advanced cancer patients

Researchers at University Hospitals Sussex have helped demonstrate how virtual reality could support people living with advanced cancer, after a study found patients reported lower pain levels and improved wellbeing while using immersive digital experiences.
Memorials policy revised in Brighton and Hove

More time will be allowed for temporary memorials, shrines and tributes after a proposed two-week limit looks like being relaxed following criticism.
Abuser jailed after assaulting woman in West Sussex

An abuser who choked a woman and assaulted her by the hair has been jailed.