Bognor Regis flat plans above HSBC building approved

The proposals for the six one-bedroom apartments above the old HSBC building at 45 High Street, Bognor, were given the green light by Arun District Council last week.

The redevelopment of the property will see the upper floors converted into six apartments, while the ground floor will remain for commercial use due to flood risk.

The application was a resubmission after an earlier proposal was considered to have an "overbearing, overshadowing nature". In response the applicant has reduced the height of the proposed building by two metres.

Planning officers said the new design would improve the existing site while blending in with the character of the surrounding area.

The scheme does not include any parking spaces or outdoor amenities but this was deemed acceptable due to its central location and nearby public transport links.

No objections were received from residents or Bognor Regis Town Council.

Approval was granted subject to various conditions, including the installation of sustainable drainage, energy efficiency measures and cycle and bin storage.

Although the development is exempt from Biodiversity Net Gain requirements, the council said that the addition of two bird boxes would encourage ecological benefits.

A construction and environmental management plan must be approved before work begins.

Due to the disruption to nearby residents and businesses there will be restrictions to construction hours which will be limited to 8am-6pm Monday to Friday and 8am-1pm on Saturdays. No work will take place on Sundays or bank holidays.

To view the application, log on to https://www.arun.gov.uk/planning-application-search/ and search for BR/229/25/PL.