‘Backland’ development could make a ‘dangerous’ Pulborough road even worse

The planning application for land behind Bartram House in Station Road is set to be decided this Tuesday by Horsham District Council’s Development Control South Committee.

But nearby residents are surprised that officers have recommended the scheme for approval, and feel their voices are not being heard.

Benjamin Palvadeau, who lives next to Bartram House, described current access arrangements to the site as dangerous and warned that additional development could make it worse.

He added: “It’s already dangerous and the little degree of freedom to make it safer there is very little .

“We will see if there will be a number of accidents that will be generated there.”

Mr Palvadeau expressed his concern about flooding and drainage on the site, its nature as ‘backland’ development, and the high density of the scheme.

He said that lorries and heavy goods vehicles already had trouble passing each other in Station Road and was worried about the safety of pedestrians walking in and out of the site.

The applicant has submitted two other applications, including one to turn Bartram House into flats, and another to build nine houses on the site.

Independent chartered surveyor and estate agent Batchellor Monkhouse, currently based in Bartram House, confirmed that it will be moving out of the property, but will remain in the village.