FORD ECO-TOWN: Councillor pledges to continue fight

Derek Whittington, who is in charge of the county council's strategic planning service, said he hoped the government's recent decision to exclude Ford Airfield from the initial round of eco-town sites was the end of the idea.

"We hope this announcement signals the effective end of this misguided, centrally imposed, programme," he said.

"Nevertheless, it is wrong to leave the threat of inappropriate and unwanted development hanging over the remaining communities located near the 15 sites on the government's shortlist.

"Because of this, we will continue to oppose the undemocratic imposition of an inappropriate development on Ford as long as necessary."

By excluding Ford, the government had been forced to recognise the concerns raised by residents, the county council and Arun District Council about the ill-conceived proposal.

"We also believe the proposals lack sufficient social and employment opportunities and would negatively impact on regeneration of Littlehampton and Bognor Regis."

The county council continues to work with Arun on its local development framework, which tests a range of sites across the district for possible development to meet the government's housing targets.

Arun has set out three sets of options to accommodate new homes. It consulted on the ideas and the responses are being analysed before being revealed at the end of summer.

A decision to select the sites is expected to be made on December 9.

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