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Expansion of West Chiltington’s Roundabout Hotel prompts angry reactions
JPCT 231012 The Roundabout Hotel, West Chiltington. Photo by Derek Martin
A West Chiltington hotel had its bid for a small extension to a function room delayed after concerns were raised about overspill on-street parking.
Roundabout Hotel, a four-star 26-bedroom country house in Monkmead Lane, is seeking permission for a single storey extension to provide additional function facilities, including a terrace area.
But the application, already deferred by Horsham District Council’s development control south committee, was again delayed so that they could work with Chapman Group, the owner of the hotel, to fully assess how many extra guests the development would lead to.
The main objection from speakers was traffic problems on Monkmead Lane, where they said further expansion would see overspill parking on the grass verges, leading to potentially serious traffic accidents.
Nicholas Barritt, an objector said that parking in Monkmead Lane was an accident waiting to happen, while Georgina Glover said that the Chapman Group had shown complete disregard for their neighbours.
Philip Circus (Con, Chanctonbury) told members that that when meeting with residents Mr Chapman had tried to disguise the fact that he had another application pending for another part of the site, which is due to be submitted before Christmas.
“Somewhere we have got to draw a line. There has to come a point where we can have no further development,” he said.
“We need to find a way of allowing this hotel to flourish and protect the local residents from inappropriate parking and noise.”
Brian Donnelly (Con, Pulborough and Coldwaltham) said: “Yes it’s shambolic. Our members are making it shambolic.”
He added: “It’s not a big application. Until there is a major noise complaint there’s no evidence that there’s a problem.”
After the meeting last Tuesday afternoon, the clerk of West Chiltington Parish Council, Tony Thomas, was rounded on by councillors and residents.
George Cockman (Ind, Steyning) said he was puzzled by the disconnect between Mr Thomas’ statement and those representations made by members of the public. He said: “There’s very conflicting evidence from the parish council and the neighbours.
“What I do pick up on is there is a problem. The role of the parish council is dealing with the applicant but also dealing with those most incensed or distressed by the application.”
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Wednesday 22 May 2013
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