Bid to expand village retreat

The River of the Living Water charity which runs the Riverwood Conference Centre wants to add six bedrooms to the current nine.

The charity has applied to Arun District Council for planning permission to change the use of an existing garage and store at the Yapton Lane site into more guest accommodation.

The garage and store used to serve the residental property of Rosewood, one of two houses which were converted into the original accommodation for the centre which received permission in February 2006.

Riverwood is a Christian retreat for teaching, training and fellowship in a tranquil location.

Anthony Greenwood, the charity's planning agent, says the building to be converted stands solely within the centre's grounds. Providing extra bedrooms makes economic sense.

'Since the conference centre has been operational, there has been demonstrated a demand for some additional accommodation and the planning application seeks to cater for this demand,' he adds.