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.
Lewes rail line to remain closed until at least 26th August after derailment
West Sussex opens applications for winter holiday food and activity clubs
Drivers using the main route between Bognor Regis and Littlehampton are warned of possible delays
Heat-health alert comes to an end across the South
Man sentenced for rape and sexual abuse of girl in East Sussex
Nine-year-old girl taken to major trauma unit after Baffins, Portsmouth cycling accident
Puppets and prosecco bring Shakespeare’s Globe to Fontwell
Prolific shoplifter jailed following targeted three-month spree in Bexhill
Holiday guilt? Your cat has not forgotten you – you just smell wrong, say Cats Protection in Haywards Heath
Government sends wildfire emergency alert to people across the South
On Air