Plans refused to build homes off Bewley Road, Angmering

At a council meeting this afternoon (June 11), councillors voted for plans to build on land west of Bewley Road in Angmering.

Despite Arun District Council's recommendation to approve plans, six councillors voted against the proposal, with three voting for it, meaning the application has been refused.

Councillors made their refusal with several arguments.

These included the developments departure from the local plan, the loss of agricultural land, and the additional costs of transporting secondary school children.

The plans for the land west of Bewley Road (Image: Arun District Council) They also put forward the argument that plans fail a sequential test - the process which requires an application to compare their site with alternative options and assess which offers the lowest probability of flooding.

Additionally, they raised concerns over the absence of a section 106 agreement - the legal agreement between a planning authority and development which is used to mitigate the impact of proposed developments.

The proposal, submitted by developers Gleeson Land to Arun District Council, looked to build up to 190 dwellings in the area, as well as a community building.

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Around 1,725 written objections were submitted against the plans, citing reasons such as overdevelopment in the village, pressure on public services, increased traffic and the loss of farmland. 

In August, around 150 people gathered on the land to protest against the proposals, joined by Worthing West MP Beccy Cooper and councillors.

She called the plans “inappropriate” and said they do not “bring enough benefits to outweigh the harm on the landscape and character of Angmering”.

Campaigners protesting on the land in August (Image: Protect Farmland West of Bewley Road) Campaigners also gathered outside the Arun District Council offices ahead of this afternoon's meeting.

Members of the Protect Farmland West of Bewley Road group also had the opportunity to share their views in the meeting.

Campaigner Angela Collis described the plans as "wholly unsustainable" and urged councillors to refuse the application.

During the meeting, the committee heard arguments for and against the application from a range of residents, councillors and those involved with the development.

Land proposed to be developed (Image: Arun District Council) Issues raised included concerns over flooding, the level of affordable housing, the number of available secondary school places, and transport infrastructure in the area.

Councillor Amanda Worne shared a strong objection for the plans.

She said: "When should it ever be right for ticking boxes to out weigh the needs of local residents.

"It's a disaster. It's so wrong on so many many levels."

Councillor Shaun Gunner also called for the plans to be refused. He raised concerns over the area's infrastructure and its ability to cope with the increase in demand.

He said: "I can't support this.

"The Arundel Road is not fine now, it's chaos. The idea we are going to add to that and it's all going to be fine is absolutely bazaar."

Councillors were advised to consider how a planning inspector would consider the application - addressing the government's demand for approving new developments.

They were also urged to bear in mind the financial impact the council could incur if an appeal was made and lost.