Angmering turns out in force to fight house plan

THOUSANDS of outraged villagers have rejected plans to build more than 300 homes in Angmering.

In an impressive display of force, more than 2,000 people from the village have voted against proposed plans to build 301 homes at land north of Worthing Rugby Club, compared to just seven votes – less than one per cent of the total submissions received – backing the potential housing scheme.

The month-long survey, into the prospective development, drawn up by Barrats/David Wilson Homes, finished on Sunday (April 15) and was organised by the Save Angmering Village campaign group.

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Following the cut-off date for voting, The Angmering Society issued a statement, on Monday, condemning the housing plans, adding that the group was “deeply concerned” by the potential site.

Now determined campaigner Sue Ware, from Save Angmering Village, is hoping to get support from Angmering Parish Council, who she feels has been fairly reserved, during her group’s campaign trail.

Sue said: “It’s time the parish council stopped sitting on the sideline and started listening to the overwhelming opinions of the villagers in Angmering – we don’t want this development.

“Hopefully, when they see this, the councillors will start to work with the community.”

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She added: “I’m not against housing development, I know it’s a necessity, but Angmering simply doesn’t have the infrastructure to support such an extensive development.”

The planned site will stretch north from the Worthing Rugby Club, in Roundstone Lane, and will encompass the land occupied by the Manor Nursery garden centre.

In its statement The Angmering Society highlighted the key issues which it felt would have an “extremely difficult impact” on the village. The group argued the development would increase traffic congestion throughout the village which it believes would lead to more hazardous road conditions.

It also highlighted the pressure more homes could have on the existing schools in and around Angmering, as well as the added stress upon water and sewerage utilities in the area.

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Baratts/David Wilson Homes has said it will consider all the comments received. The company has met with West Sussex County Council to discuss the potential impact on traffic flow in the area, and is planning a traffic survey to assess the situation.

Chairman of Angmering Parish Council Pat Turner congratulated Sue on her survey and comment: “The problem we have is that there’s nothing we can do until the application goes in. But Sue has done a fantastic job.”

The votes will all be handed in at the village’s parish council meeting, on Monday (April 23), which begins at 7.30pm at Angmering Village Hall.