'˜Opportunistic homes plan puts Barnham under siege', says councillor

Plans which could see up to 100 homes built on the Eric Wall Nursery site off Lake Lane were unveiled by planning consultants Dowsett Mayhew at a meeting of Barnham Parish Council.

Parish council chairman David Phillips said: “This proposal comes on the back of several in recent months for the Barnham area.

“In light of the current state within the planning process it seems this proposal, like some of the others, is opportunistic.

“It seems developers are trying to exploit the weaknesses in Arun District Council’s local plan, and this has left Barnham feeling very much under siege.

“If this proposal is to be taken forward I urge you to look very carefully at the level of consultation.

“In the past, the process of consultation we have had with other developers has been lamentable – a few leaflets stuffed through the doors of certain homes.

“But even with proper consultation I do feel you will have the same view from the public as others have had in the past – they don’t want it.”

Peirre Dowsett, from the consultants, gave a ten-minute presentation to the meeting.

“We have been looking at how to progress this site for about six years,” he said.

“Before we make any decisions on how to bring it forward, we want to consult with the parish council and the wider community.

“We will be writing to residents in homes which surround the site and requesting their comments.

“A comment book and copy of the presentation will also be left with the parish council,” he said.

Mr Dowsett said a dedicated email address – [email protected] – had been set up to allow comments to be made.

The proposed development would be on a 6.5ha site located to the east of Barnham and to the north of the village’s railway station.

The dwellings would be a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroomed homes, 40 per cent of which would be affordable. Plans also show space for a children’s play area and allotments.

Primary access to the site would be off Lake Lane, with a secondary entrance through Goodacres for pedestrians, cyclists and emergency vehicles.