1 day Ago
Plans to add further pitches to an existing traveller caravan site have been rejected following objections. The application sought permission to add four additional caravan pitches, a machinery/storage barn, and four attached utility buildings, to the land south of the telephone exchange in Selsey Road in Sidlesham, West Sussex. The scheme was rejected by Chichester District Council.
The site, comprising open, low-lying farmland bordered by hedgerows, was already approved for the stationing of four caravans for traveller accommodation following an appeal in 2018, with an additional pitch approved in 2021. Drawings of the site, with the four additional proposed pitches grouped at the bottom (Image: Manorwood) Sidlesham Parish Council objected to the plans, citing concerns about "dominance and overdevelopment." The council requested a site visit to ensure the application was not retrospective and, if approved, asked that the adjacent green space known as Paws in the Park be maintained as open space.
A member of the public also objected, raising concerns about the capacity of the area's sewer system. A view of the current site from above (Image: Google) They said: "The proposal to site four further caravans feeding into the sewer system will further exacerbate a system that at best only functions during completely dry periods. "Approval of the application will undoubtedly cause further loading at a point in the sewer where there are currently regular blockages causing flooding to property in the immediate area, resulting in pumping out being required for often extensive and regular periods.
" Read next: Garden extension with 'unacceptable' fence could cause crash, neighbours fear In its refusal, Chichester District Council cited the site's risk of future tidal flooding. The council said the site is also located within the "zone of influence" of the Chichester and Langstone Harbours Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and the Pagham Harbour SPA. A drawing of the proposed day room (Image: Manorwood) According to the council, it has been identified that the net increase in residential development results in significant harm to these areas of nature conservation due to increased recreational disturbance.
The National Park Planning Framework also requires that development should not be allowed if there are reasonably available sites appropriate for the proposed development in areas with a lower risk of flooding. The proposed development was deemed not to meet these requirements. The council also took into account the potential harm to the SPAs.
.
