New protection status is likely for 'royal' estate in Aldwick

The Craigweil private estate is likely to become a conservation area. Arun District Council is to launch a public consultation into the move.

Becoming a conservation area would provide tough protection against proposals deemed to damage the historical character of the estate. Even the landscaping, trees and grass verges along roads such as The Drive would be included.

In addition, the councillors will seek the public's views about taking away all permitted development rights for existing homes.

These rights allow occupiers to carry out minor alterations without the need to submit a planning application.

Removing them would mean every single alteration requiring formal planning permission from the council. The results of the consultation will be considered by the council's cabinet before a final decision is made.

The Craigweil estate, off Barrack Lane, has been built around the site of the former Craigweil House where King George V and Queen Mary famously stayed in 1929.

The estate became an area of special character in 2001 after a previous campaign by residents to guard against unsuitable developments.

Recent information from the Craigweil and its Environs Conservation Area Association has prompted the council to re-consider uprgrading the protection to conservation area status. Principal planning officer Brian Banister sought the view of conservation watchdog English Heritage.

Graham Steaggles, its historic areas advisor, said scope existed to create two small conservation areas within the estate. But Richard Ostler, who founded the association, urged councillors to treat all the area as one.

"It would be ridiculous if one status is to stop in the middle of a road. The estate should either all be a conservation area or not at all," he stated.

Council leader Cllr Gill Brown agreed. She said: "We should have the same boundary for a conservation area as we do for the area of special character.

"We need to look at it as one unified piece rather than two or three different pieces. That would make it extremely difficult to manage."

She added that action should be taken as quickly as possible to prevent the erosion of any more of the estate's heritage.

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