252 homes approved for Chichester's Roussillion Barracks

Military buildings from the 1960s and 1970s at Chichester's Roussillon Barracks are now set to be flattened to make way for 252 new homes, following a decision by district councillors.

The scheme was described by developers ZeroC Holdings Ltd as ‘traditional with a contemporary twist.’

But distinctive features including the keep, the large, open green – formerly the military parade ground – and a wall will be preserved. Part of the extensive barracks site is being retained by Defence Estates.

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The district’s southern area development control committee yesterday voted to give planning permission after considering the proposals.

Some local residents appeared at the meeting to express concerns about the size of a proposed apartment block in the development and its impact on homes in Broyle Road and Broyle Close.

One of them, Martin Hughes, said the answer would be to reduce the ‘oversized’ triangular block to make it more in proportion with the area.

Cllr Quentin Cox aid the block looked like a utility prison block contrasting to the appearance of the barracks’ keep.

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But Keith Slowe, representing the developers, claimed the block was not too big

“It is in keeping and appropriate to the scheme.”

The decision is subject to completion of a formal legal agreement embracing a range of measures including a £147,500 package designed to mitigate recreational pressure on Chichester Harbour, particularly dog walking, arising from the new homes.

It includes £122,500 towards wardening of the Chichester and Langstone harbours special protection area and £20,000 for ‘interpretation, education and signage’.

A range of contributions required from the developers under the agreement adds up to a grand total of around £2m.

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Among services to get cash are education, libraries, fire and rescue, highways, community facilities and playing fields.

Meanwhile, councillors were told concerns over the possibility of pressure on the local sewerage network, adding to pollution in Chichester Harbour, had been addressed in the scheme.

A report by planning officers said the applicants had worked closely with the Environment Agency. “They have provided the technical detail to demonstrate that the proposed use of the site by 252 dwellings would actually result in a net reduction in the foul flows to the Apuldram waste water treatment works when compared with the former use of the site when up to 1,000 military troops were billeted there,” it added.

“The agency has therefore confirmed that on the issue of foul drainage it has no objection subject to the imposition of several conditions.”

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Recommending approval, planning officers said that alongside the continuing development at Graylingwell, the scheme would be an important addition to Chichester’s housing stock.

The development, which will include a range of townhouses of ‘classic proportions,’ will feature 18 one-bed flats, 56 two-bed flats, one three-bed flat, 64 two-bed houses, 57 three-bed houses and 56 four-bed houses. Forty per cent – 101 homes – will be ‘affordable.’