Chichester District Council accused of ‘gross incompetence’ over Selsey Asda

Landlink Estates has amended its original application for up to 144 homes, an Asda supermarket, hotel, pub and petrol station at the Park Farm site, off the B2145, in a bid to push it through without going to appeal.

Dozens of Selsey residents turned out at a meeting last night (May 13) at Selsey Town Hall to hear the town council’s planning committee discuss the development, which many claim has divided the Selsey community down the middle.

“We wouldn’t be in this position at all if not for the gross incompetence of Chichester District Council,” said town councillor Chris Dean.

“Taking that hearing on that day when they couldn’t make a decision on it was gross incompetence so we shouldn’t be in this position.”

The district council’s planning committee held a meeting on April 29 and refused the application.

Planning officers had recommended the plan be approved, however the meeting took place the day before a final decision could legally be made.

An environmental statement publicity for this application expired the day after the committee meeting.

In the gap it had after the committee refused the application, Landlink made an amendment to the application – scrapping five of the homes and moving a dog-walking path.

It hopes this amendment will address concerns by the committee and see the application through without going to appeal.

Selsey town councillor Glenda Baum compared this to ‘moving the chairs on the deck of the Titanic when it’s going down.”

The town council had to consider the amendment last night and despite lengthy arguments they agreed to support it, having supported the initial application, although it suggested the number of homes should be reduced to 90 in line with its neighbourhood plan.

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