Anger after application to demolish home is approved
Despite 19 letters of objection, an application to demolish a much-loved house in Selsey has been given the green light, leaving residents in the seaside town fuming.
The application (18/01966/ OUT) was for Stone House, at 82 West Street, to be demolished and replaced with new houses to ‘make a positive contribution to the village scape’.
The application was passed by Chichester District Council after support from Selsey Town Council due to there being ‘no planning grounds for objection’.
A number of neighbouring residents spoke to the Observer after the decision. Nancy Stroud said: “It is quite shocking. It is unspeakable really. It is a beautiful house in perfect order. I’m 91 so I cannot fight it. It has caused me a lot of heartache and worry.”
Philip Adams said the decision was ‘disgraceful’. He added: “It’s a beautiful, old building. It would be criminal to demolish it.” Glenda Baum said: “I always welcome new houses but it is a shame that such a lovely, historic house is due to be demolished.”
Another West Street resident, who asked not to be named, said: “They could have converted Stone House and kept the same structure. I am very disappointed that the planners have allowed it through. They are supposed to protect properties like this. Stone House is a landmark. The floodgates could open and the whole character of West Street could change. People are absolutely devastated by it.”
Genesis Town Planning agent Kerry Simmons, in the planning, design and access statement, had said: “The proposed scheme presents a well-balanced, contemporary and spacious residential development designed to a high standard.”
West Sussex County Council offered no objection. Its senior planner said: “The traffic generated by the proposal will be light and it is unlikely that any road safety issues will arise as a direct result of the development.”