'˜Cramped' plan for Yapton pub site is vetoed

Orchard Homes and Developments wanted to demolish 200-year-old The Lamb Inn and build 14 houses in its place.

But Arun District Council’s development control committee voted by nine votes to nil, with two abstentions, to refuse permission.

They said the proposal was too cramped for the Bilsham Road plot. Some of the houses’ front doors opened directly on to the pavement.

They were also concerned that the scheme would have an over-bearing impact on the neighbouring property of Well House.

Their refusal at last Wednesday follows their decision at a previous meeting to defer the vote for talks to be held with Orchard Homes.

Cllr Stephen Haymes (Con, Yapton) said: “I can’t see what the negotiations have done. There is still going 
to be a building a metre 
from Well House and yet there’s a big gap on the other side of the development. There are also six front doors going on to the footpath.

“When The Lamb was built 200 years ago, there would have been one horse and cart a day going past. Now, there are lorries, buses and cars.”

Cllr Ricky Bower (Con, East Preston) said: “It’s the layout which is at fault. That is why I’m voting against it.

“I don’t like the frontages so close to the highway. There are no front gardens or anywhere to park vehicles. It does not fit in with the area’s character.”

The council had received a 115 name petition to save the pub as well as 49 individual letters of objection and protests from Yapton Parish Council and the Campaign for Real Ale.

Council planning officer Alex Sebbinger said: “The building is not of any significant quality as to justify retaining it. It’s not of a quality to be listed and that is important.

“The overall quality of the building has been significantly compromised by conversions.”

The site’s location just outside the built-up area boundary of Yapton, meant development was unacceptable in principle. But it could be justified by helping to maintain the five year supply of housing land.