Tangmere restaurant owners preparing for the ‘last resort’ after planning application is rejected

The planning application for the site in Tangmere Road, off the A27, was the second lodged by ‘Cass’ and Viv Cassons since the couple announced their plans to retire and sell up in 2016.

The first scheme, which came after the restaurant attracted little interest on the market, proposed to demolish the building and construct a block of ten flats but the application was withdrawn after the council raised several concerns about the plans – including the potential noise impact of the A27 on future residents, the likely impact on trees around the site and the loss of a heritage asset.

The couple then decided to apply to demolish the site and replace it with an office building and six new ‘starter’ homes. However, Chichester District Council has refused the proposal.

The decision notice read: “The application fails to demonstrate that, in terms of both noise and air quality, the site is capable of providing a satisfactory living environment for prospective occupiers of the proposed dwellings.”

The council also argued that it would result in the ‘unjustified loss’ of the existing restaurant building.

Cass said he and Viv were ‘naturally disappointed’.

He added: “We will remain in conversation with council officers and will look at our options, which may include taking this application to appeal.

“This has to be a last resort as it will inevitably mean more work for a council that we are constantly being told is under increasing pressure on manpower and funds.

“As we go forward there has to be openness, honesty and compromise if we are not to avoid a disaster in the Chichester area.

“The bottom line is that by this decision six families have been denied a chance of getting on the housing ladder.”

Cass confirmed that the restaurant currently remains open during the coronavirus crisis and is ‘taking all measures that

we can to safeguard our customers and staff’.