Former Bognor community college site to become new homes

The former Bognor Regis Community College will be transformed into a new development made-up of some 114 houses and flats.

At a meeting last Wednesday, Arun District Council’s development and control committee, allowed permission for the land off Westloats Lane be developed on two sites.

It will comprise of houses and flats, private open space, public open space, pedestrian access, parking as well as keeping some landscaping and trees.

The application was seeking approval of reserve matters following outline planning permission.

Concern about the layout of the proposed development was expressed.

Cllr Ricky Bower (Con, East Preston) said: “The issue here is layout.

“It is not very inspiring and gives the impression of being cramped.

“Yes, they are trying to maximise the number of properties on the site but it is the layout, it is not imaginative in my view.”

Worries about the added traffic the new homes would bring were also voiced.

Cllr Simon McDougall (Lib Dem, Bersted) said: “The traffic on Firth Road particularly first thing in the morning is hazardous. It is of some concern. The design is better and a vast improvement on what was there before but I think the layout could be improved.”

The development will also include 37 affordable homes.

Andy Elder, Arun’s housing strategy and enabling manager, said: “The 37 homes would mean a very valuable contribution towards the council’s own target to deliver 1,000 affordable homes by 2015.

“Out of those included in the 37 affordable homes, 24 are designed for social rent.

“Social rent is perhaps the gold standard in what we’re trying to secure now.”