Parish councils seeking ‘more sustainable’ level of housing
Call made as plans for 1,250 homes go out for consultation
Concerns over plans for 1,250 homes between Eastergate and Barnhamhavebeenexpressedby the area’s parish councils.
Back in 2018, Arun’s local plan allocated up to 3,000 new dwellings across the Barnham, EastergateandWestergate(BEW) strategic sites.
As this stretches from near Fontwell down to Lidsey and parcels of land are in different ownerships a framework masterplan has been prepared, demonstrating how up to 4,300 homes could be built in total.
A public consultation is currently being held on behalf of theSouthernConsortium,formed oftheChurchCommissionersfor EnglandandHanburyProperties, for land south of Barnham Road and north of the railway line.
This parcel stretches from near St George’s Church in Eastergate to near Barnham Railway Station and St Philip Howard Catholic School. This is prior to a hybrid planning application being submitted to Arun District Council.
Full permission would be sought for a section of the realigned A29 running from Barnham Road to a spur south of the railway line to connect to the rest of the new road.
Outline permission would be forthe1,250homes,alocalcentre, primaryschoolandeast-westlink road.
Alinearparkwouldbecreated in the western part of the site and include a cricket pitch and pavilion.
The proposals have attracted opposition from both Barnham & Eastergate and Aldingbourne parish councils.
The parish councils said they were continuing to press for a more sustainable level of new housing development across the villages.
Butifthisisunachievablethen theyaredemandingthatkeyroad andcommunityinfrastructureis built before more housing.
Theyarealsopointingouthow the 1,250 homes are proposing to be built long before the new A29 is complete.
The parish councils want a moratorium on further housing until a new sustainable housing figure is agreed which ‘truly represents housing need in Arun andtheinfrastructureisinplace’.
If the A29 realignment is not completed before the homes are built, the parish councils predict traffic ‘chaos’ on Westergate Street and the B2233 Barnham Road.
Meanwhile the parishes’ priority demands include medical facilities and improving access to GP surgeries, providing school places and upgrading and extending existing community facilities before building new ones.
In response, a spokesman for the Church Commissioners for England said: “We are currently progressing work on a phasing strategy for the planning application which will be discussed with Arun District Council and the Barnham, Eastergate, Westergate Advisory Group. Once the application is submitted, the local community will have the opportunity to fully review and comment on the information.”
The consultation closes on Sunday May 16. Visit www. bewconsultation.co.uk