Confusion as Aldwick housing scheme is named after another parish

McCarthy & Stone has given its retirement apartments in Hawthorn Road the name of Pagham Court.

The 36 one and two-bed apartments for independent living for the over 60s are being built at The Martlets roundabout at the junction of Hawthorn Road, West Meads Drive and Aldwick Road.

The site, according to the company, is about three miles from Pagham and it is also only just inside Aldwick’s boundary with Bognor Regis.

Aldwick Parish Council chairman Dr Tony Poland said: “I find it very strange the development is being called Pagham Court.

“I would like to have seen it reflect the fact that it’s located in Aldwick or else it should have a neutral name which has no connection with any area.

“If nothing else, it could be confusing calling the apartments after Pagham. People will naturally think they are located in Pagham.

“Anyone from outside this area visiting relatives in Pagham Court would go to Pagham to ask directions if they didn’t know the way.”

A McCarthy & Stone spokeswoman defended the company’s choice of name. She said: “While the Pagham Court development is located in the Aldwick area of Bognor, McCarthy & Stone always try to select names for its new sites that will still have regional relevance.

“With Pagham situated only three miles from the development, McCarthy & Stone wanted to pay respect to an area of local interest which would have resonance within the Bognor community.”

McCarthy and Stone began building the apartments at the end of January. The first residents should move in by mid-December. Marketing for the apartments fails to mention Pagham. It instead praises the virtues of Aldwick and Bognor.