1 week Ago
A parish council is fundraising to launch an appeal against an application for 47 homes. Plans for the new homes were submitted to Arun District Council in November of last year and received approximately 450 objections. The application, put forward by Seaward Properties, was approved by the council on September 27 for land north-east of Kingston Lane in Littlehampton.
Now, Kingston Parish Council is asking for donations to fund a judicial review against the decision, which it says could cost up to £35,000. The Crowdfunder reads: “The site is in Kingston but backs on to dwellings in East Preston, so both parishes are affected as well as other nearby communities. READ MORE: Decision due on controversial plans for 190 new homes “Access to the 47 dwellings will be from Kingston Lane on the first bend south of the junction with North Lane and representations were made about the hazards this will create.
“The site is a much appreciated and beautiful area of countryside visible from Kingston Lane and it sits within the Gap between Settlements (detailed in the Arun Local Plan). “Importantly for sustainability, the development will result in the irreversible loss of Grade 1 agricultural land – that is the best and most excellent quality agricultural land.” Among concerns raised over the development were the dangers of the nearby level crossing at Roundstone Lane.
One objector said: “The five-way Roundstone level crossing via which huge building lorries would access this area is one of the most complex in the country and processes 170 trains per day. READ MORE: Plans to build apartments to go ahead following successful appeal “In particular, crossing the railway line out of the proposed building area to head east to Worthing is extremely dangerous and accidents occur. “In the nightmare scenario a huge works lorry will become stranded on the railway line - a distinct possibility.
If the oncoming train isn’t stopped in time the carnage will be considerable.” Other concerns include the loss of green space, increased traffic, lack of infrastructure and flooding fears. According to the plans 30 per cent of the 47 homes would be designated as affordable housing.
.
