Littlehampton MP and council on opposite sides for Courtwick Lane plans

A planning application to build up to 600 homes on land at Courtwick, along with businesses, open spaces and community facilities, has been submitted to Arun District Council.

While the town’s MP, has said he is against the proposals, some councillors have welcomed the news.

A spokeswoman for Mr Gibb’s office said he was “concerned” that the development was planned for a greenfield site, and had organised a public meeting for residents.

However, Arun cabinet member for planning Ricky Bower, who also sits on the council’s Littlehampton regeneration committee, said: “There are a few concerns, such as where the proposed junction with the A259 would be.

“There are no concerns about where it is being built.

“There are a lot of developments planned for north Littlehampton, and they all need to be looked at together.”

Mike Northeast, Arun district and Littlehampton town councillor, said large-scale developments were the only way Littlehampton’s “infrastructure deficit” and affordable housing shortages could be addressed.

“This is good for the town in terms of affordable housing, and good for the town in terms of infrastructure improvements.

“It is something that we have to embrace. We have not built any affordable homes in the last few years, and we need them desperately.”

Gleeson Development Ltd states in the planning application that 30 per cent of the homes would be affordable housing, and the company would make a contribution to health, education and fire and rescue services.

“We will be getting improvements to the road network. That is what local businesses have been telling us they need for years, and it will bring jobs,” added Mike.

“We need to provide houses and jobs for future generations.”

It goes on to say that developers had been keen to involve the community in a consultation.

“By engaging with the public at an early stage, we hoped to ensure that the final scheme for which planning consent is being sought is one that has been drawn up with the benefit of local feedback, having taken on board and addressed important issues and ideas.”

Mr Gibb’s meeting will be at Wick Hall, Wick Street, at 11am on Saturday, December 4.

All comments on the application must be submitted to Arun by Thursday, December 9.