An application to build more than
100 homes and a children’s nursery in Southbourne has been
approved by a planning inspector. Metis Homes Ltd
launched an appeal after Chichester District Council took
too long to reach a decision on the plans for Harris
Scrapyard and Oaks Farm. A three-day inquiry was held
in July, chaired by inspector David Troy.
The council only contested the
appeal due to a lack of financial contributions from the
developer towards improvements on the A27, and a lack of
adequate infrastructure provision through a Section 106
agreement.
Harris Scrapyard And Oaks Farm, Main Road, Southbourne.
Image: planning documents
In his report, Mr Troy said he
closed the inquiry after such an agreement was completed and
signed, setting out a number of planning obligations which
would need to be met. They were: affordable housing
provision, A27 improvements, public rights of way
improvements, a travel plan, and mitigationmeasures relating
to nearby nature conservation sites. Also, the
provision, on-going management and maintenance of the open
space, allotments and community orchard within the
development, as well as an ecological wildlife corridor.
Concerns were raised during the
inquiry about the impact more than 100 new homes would have
on road safety and traffic congestion. Others wondered
about the ability of an already stretched sewage system to
cope with the added pressure. And others wondered about the
impact on schools and health care.
But, describing the development
as ‘sustainable’, Mr Troy said: “In my view, the adverse
impacts arising from this development do not significantly
and demonstrably outweigh the scheme’s benefits.” A
council spokesman said: “The planning application was
subject to lengthy negotiations, the applicant decided to
appeal on the ground of non-determination following a pause
in the process while the mitigation needed regarding the
highway network was established.
“The principal of the development
was acceptable to the local planning authority, and the
appeal was only contested on technical infrastructure
matters, which were largely resolved ahead of the appeal.”
To view the application, log on
to publicaccess.chichester.gov.uk and
search for 22/01283/FUL.
Sussex World 15th November
