South Downs National Park loses affordable homes battle

But although Crownhall Estates Ltd won its battle against the South Downs National Park Authority at a three day appeal in front of government planning inspector Richard Clegg, he has ordered the developer to pay all the park’s appeal costs.

Mr Clegg made the award on the grounds that Crownhall had caused the park unnecessary expenses.

Crownhall was refused permission by the national park to remove the affordable homes element of the development at Laundry Cottages and Woodlea which was given the go ahead in 2014 for eight affordable and 13 private homes. But Mr Clegg found the requirement made the development unviable. Instead he has ordered Crownhall to pay £80,280 towards affordable homes elsewhere in the area.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.midhurstandpetworth.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MidhurstandPetworthObserver

3) Follow us on Twitter @mid_pet_obs

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Midhurst and Petworth Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.