Demolition of Belmont Lodge deferred

The members of Arun District Council’s development control committee defied their planning officers’ advice to insist on further talks about Belmont Lodge.

The officials had recommended demolition of the terrace of three Regency properties which comprise the lodge and replacement by flats. But councillors want new designs for the proposed building.

The lodge was the studio of leading Impressionist painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti in 1875-76. The subsequent changes to the building, now a solicitors’ office, mean a heritage watchdog has refused to protect it.

But committee vice-chairman Jean Goad said: “This is a very pleasing building. It seems to me almost wanton vandalism to demolish it. I put it that strongly. This is one of the last few links Bognor has with the past.”

Cllr Ricky Bower said: “Generally speaking, as a building, it has a degree of uniqueness and character which blends in well with the environment in which it sits.”

Cllr Syliva Olliver said: “I am so fed up with all the buildings of character we have lost in Bognor.

“It’s got to the point where you walk around Bognor thinking you must photograph nice buildings before they disappear.”

Bognor Regis Town Council member Pat Dillon said: “The building which has been proposed is out of keeping with the surrounding area.

“We feel it is going to be detrimental to that particular site.”

A protest was also made by the Bognor Regis Task Force about the loss of employment space.

Henry Adams Planning is seeking outline planning permission to replace Belmont Lodge with 13 two bedroom flats.

The company has produced an art deco design for a three-storey building but outline approval establishes the principle of development while it leaves the details of a scheme to be decided later.