Public meeting on new homes delayed

But it will not come as much comfort for people living under the threat from development, after the recommendation by the South East Plan Panel to increase the number of new homes to be built in Arun by 2,000 over 20 years.

It has forced the council to reconsider its plans for Arun's future.

The district council was preparing to consult the public on its preferred options for growth and development in the district over the period to 2026 but it has now been suggested that Arun should now provide 11,300 new homes in the district.

Arun district planning officers are putting the 20-year vision for the region of the South East England Regional Assembly under the microscope and making recommendations at a special meeting of Arun District Council on October 10.

In a statement from Arun District Council, the Local Development Framework, LDF sub-committee will meet today (Thursday) to discuss the options and will then make a recommendation to full council as to the favoured course of action.

Cllr Ricky Bower, cabinet member for planning said: 'Following discussion with legal counsel, it seems clear that pressing on with intended public consultation would not be the best option.

'We now need to determine the best way to progress with our plans for Arun's future, taking into account the possible outcomes of the panel's recommendations and the Secretary of State's response.

Last week angry Bersted parish councillors demanded a meeting with senior Arun officers over the increased number of homes proposed for the area, but that too was postponed because of the latest proposals.

In the meantime members of the Bognor Regis Vision Group a group set up to ensure that Bognor is able to speak with one voice over such important issues, have published a report on the draft LDF and its effect on the economic regeneration of Bognor Regis.

It considers that the draft is 'faulty' and far from proposals for development west of Bersted it believes there should be a more viable scheme on offer at Westergate.

'It would have direct access via the A29 to Bognor's industrial area two miles away, major supermarkets and the town centre without pressure on the overloaded A259.

'The route would not go through a built-up area and the last mile of its length would be dual carriageway. The development would be within walking distance of the settlement's primary and secondary schools.'

Above all the report believes that it should directly addresses the issue of accessibility, by removing a level crossing and providing a quick link to the A27.

'There is no doubt this would improve the attractiveness of Bognor Regis to inward investment.

In summing up, the Vision Group claimes that the draft LDF is 'a recipe for traffic chaos due to over-provision of housing in the wrong location.'