East Bank Homes Snapped Up

That's the message from homebuyers eager to snap up exclusive riverside properties in Littlehampton within days of them going on the market.

A fifth of the new homes in the town's multi-million pound East Bank regeneration scheme have already been sold and council chiefs say the high demand is a major vote of confidence in Littlehampton.

Since the sales office opened on August 3, 17 of the 86 Bellway Homes properties in its Harbourside East development have been reserved by buyers paying between 130,000 and 360,000.

Bellway Homes sales director Adrian Fenwick said: "Our success at Harbourside East has completely exceeded our expectations, we have been literally run off our feet trying to keep up with the demand for these properties."

Two Arun District councillors who believe this could breathe new life into the town are Derek Whittaker and Mike Northeast.

"This is very encouraging news. I am delighted the new development is taking shape and already considerable interest is being shown," said Mr Whittaker, cabinet member for ecomomic regeneration.

Mr Northeast, chairman of the council's economic scrutiny committee, hopes the high interest shown in the new two and three-bedroom properties will have a snowball effect on the town's economy.

"The way these properties are selling is proving that Littlehampton is an up and coming area.

"Obviously, what we are hoping is this will lead to more investment and that

shops and other businesses will be attracted to the town."

The homes are part of the East Bank Project an extensive regeneration programme, incorporating the river walkway, visitor centre and youth hostel aimed at linking the seaside, river and town together.

The project is a partnership between Arun District Council and Bellway Homes. Funding for the visitor centre and other public facilities has come from a share of 2m of Government regeneration cash awarded to the Littlehampton 2000 Partnership five years ago.

But building work on the project was held up for two years while objectors mounted an appeal against it.

Building work finally began in December, one month after the Court of Appeal in London unanimously ruled against the protesters.

Mr Whittaker added: "I am delighted that the development is now taking shape and already considerable interest is being shown."

But Mr Northeast said he had reservations about the number of properties being sold to let.

"I just hope that we see a few local people moving in down there to enjoy the river."

Anne King from the Bellway Homes sales office in Surrey Street was keen to stress that no more than 50 per cent of buyers were planning to let their properties.

She also said that 70 per cent of customers so far were from Sussex.

And while the properties may be out of the price-range of most first-time buyers, Mr Northeast agreed they were "brilliant for those who can afford it."

Littlehampton estate agent Malcolm Belchamber said he was not at all surprised the homes were selling at such high prices.

He explained: "There was a sharp rise in property prices in Littlehampton between February and June, you always pay a premium for new homes and, of course, they have river frontage which is very desirable."