An outline planning application from developer Cofton Ltd is going through the process of being registered with Chichester District Council to develop the land at Bethwine's farm adjacent to Blackboy Lane.

More than 200 people turned out to a meeting to discuss the plans in Fishbourne.

As a result, 40 residents put themselves forward to be a part of an action group to try to stop the proposals.

Parish council chairman Julian Snell said: "We have always made our position clear, that small organic growth can help us maintain a lively local community.

"What we are strenuously opposed to is major developments of this scale.

"Everyone is also very concerned that, although we are told no plans for expansion currently exist, the 200 houses in the current application could prove to be only the first phase."

The plans, which were put forward for public viewing at an exhibition last month, included 200 homes on half the site as a mixture of houses and flats.

To the south of the development, which stops at the railway line, there will be a recreation area and a reservoir to cope with flood water, and drainage run-off.

Consultant for the project Peter Westhorpe said no alterations have been made to the project on the back of the public exhibition.

Fishbourne district councillor Adrian Moss said he felt the council had let down residents over the lack of a five-year land supply document which would have defined the areas to be developed.

He said: "There are 1,000 houses in the village and putting another 200 in is a huge increase.

"It is going to be a long saga – this is not going to go away."

Another bitterly controversial plan for a housing development in Fishbourne will be decided by a government inspector.

Chichester District Council's planning applications referral committee came down strongly against proposals for 50 properties on land north of Clay Lane.

But members were told applicant Whitevale Ltd had already lodged an appeal, on the grounds of non-determination of its application within the specified time period, and a two-day public inquiry was due to take place in November.

Fishbourne residents crammed into a council committee room to express their all-out opposition to the development.

Councillors voted 9-0 against the scheme on grounds including the fact the site is on open agricultural land, outside the built-up area and within the designated Chichester-Emsworth strategic gap.

They also declared the location was unsustainable, with a lack of shops and other local services, poor public transport links and an over-subscribed local school.

Planning officers had recommended approval, on planning policy grounds.

Cllr Pieter Montyn said: "What we are seeing is an inexorable push to turn Fishbourne into a dormitory town, with no school places, no shops, no work, and very infrequent public transport."






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