West Sussex housing plan: Parish council members 'shocked and horrified' after discovery

Henry Adams LLP, acting on behalf of Seaward Properties LTD, has submitted plans to build 47 dwellings – 30 per cent (14) of which would be provided as affordable homes – on land north-east of Kingston Lane, East Preston.

This application is a resubmission following the refusal of application earlier this year for 48 dwellings on this site.

A spokesperson for the developer said: “The 33 market dwellings would comprise a mixture of detached, semi-detached and terraced housing. They would be mostly two storey in height with six 2.5 storey properties.

"Arun District Council are unable to demonstrate an adequate supply of housing land. This is acknowledged by the council during pre-application discussion, its decisions on recent applications and appeal decisions.”

More than 450 letters of objection have been lodged against the plans.

The parishes of Kingston, East Preston, Angmering, Ferring and Rustington all made strong objections during the consultation period.

Geraldine Walker, the chairman of Kingston Parish Council, said: “Members of [the] council are shocked and horrified that there is an officer recommendation to approve this application on land that is important for its Grade 1 agricultural use, its protected countryside location in the strategic gap and its importance to the local community.”

A planning committee meeting, to discuss the application, has been scheduled by Arun District Council for Wednesday, March 20.