Ikea: council stalemate over Lancing plans 'disappointing'

Hundreds of residents packed into a public meeting in Lancing expecting a final decision on the scheme – 18 months after the plans were announced.

But councillors voted to defer the decision until a later date on the grounds that developers were unable to prove the project would enhance the environment.

And the committee required developers to meet with Lancing College to discuss how its proposal would not negatively impact the school.

The applicant, Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club, submitted the application for New Monks Farm last July.

Martin Perry, executive director of the club, said: “It was disappointing that it had to be deferred but I am still optimistic.

“Frankly the requirements from the council are minor and we will go back and discuss with Ikea on what mitigation they can provide in the next meeting.”

Tim Farlam, real estate manager for Ikea UK and Ireland, said: “We can confirm that Adur District Council has deferred a decision on our plans to develop an Ikea store as part of a planning application submitted by New Monks Farm Development Ltd.

“We are disappointed with the decision as the proposal met all national and local planning guidelines and we regularly held discussions with the local community to ensure the final store design met the needs of both Ikea and the surrounding community.

“We will now discuss the decision with New Monks Farm Development to consider our next steps.”

The developers have been asked to provide a more detailed plan to meet the committee’s requirements.

The proposals also include the provision of a new roundabout on the A27, a country park, community hub and the relocation and expansion of the Wilthy Patch Gypsy and Traveller site.

Councillors, environmental groups and residents took the opportunity to object to the major developments.

Their key concerns were pollution, reduced air quality, increased traffic and drainage problems.

Mark Williams, from Lancing College, said the developments would have a major impact on the school.

He said: “Our college has more than 500 pupils. The traffic for Ikea will be very intense and it will affect parents’ journey time and travel to the school.

“Our school provides an important service to the community. We provide a swimming pool and chapel, and we offer bursaries for parents.

“If parents find it difficult to get to our school, they will go elsewhere.

“We shouldn’t be harmed because of a major development. I believe the college should be protected by the council’s planning committee.”

Gerard Rosenberg, chairman of the Shoreham Society, said: “We are working closely with other environmental and residents associations as we are concerned about the amount of pollution the new developments would bring.

“This will not affect Shoreham, but it’s a regional issue. More and more cars are already travelling on the A27. The proposals say it will bring up to two million traffic movements per year.

“Shoreham is now the new flavour of the month for developments. I think the council should consider the environmental impacts major developments will have on us.”

Councillors also raised their concerns. Labour Councillor Lee Cowen, representing Mash Barn, said he was not allowed to attend the meeting.

He said he had spoken against the plans since they were submitted to the council.

He said: “There is a large element of risk associated with this project.

“It barely passes viability tests and has to rely on a funding grant. What if the economic conditions change? The risk is that if the build remains unfinished we lose any promised flooding defences or it cuts into the affordable housing provision.

“The Adur local plan says we need homes and have to build them, but it doesn’t say we need to have a traffic-generating international retailer.”

Labour Councillor David Balfe, representing Eastbrook, said: “The A27 is already over capacity, along with the constant delays in the evenings.

“Additionally, extra homes will bring more cars. Are these reasons not enough for the council to reject the application?

“And is there sufficient drainage to meet the construction?”

Lancing Parish Councillor Gina Scotting, representing Mash Barn, said: “As councillors we are elected to represent our residents and to address their concerns.

“Reports have shown nitrogen dioxide levels are over 35 per cent in the area.

“Air pollution are dangerous particularly to newborns and people with respiratory problems.

“Our responsibility is to our residents, not to money-oriented developers.”

Resident Stuart Matthews said: “I don’t understand why there is a plan to build a primary school next to the A27.

“I think the traffic will be a distraction for students and I don’t think building a sound-proof will improve anything. The plans will affect the air quality in our area. Increase mileage means increased pollution.”

However, supporters of the application say bringing an international company to Lancing will boost the town’s profile. Conservative councillor Brian Boggis, representing Peverel, said: “I understand everyone’s worries. We need to look at the bigger picture and look at the benefits it will bring to our town.”

David Johnson, from the Campaign to Protect Rural England, said: “We all have an obligation to provide a clean and environmentally healthy planet for our children.”

The committee has not confirmed the date for the next meeting.