Historians' fear as new homes scheme gets go ahead at Field Place

The borough's development control committee has given conditional approval for 38 sheltered apartments for the elderly on the sites of 50-56 Bolsover Road.

The development will include a three-storey corner block facing Field Place to the north.

This block prompted The Worthing Society to oppose its visual impact on Field Place and its surroundings.

Tranquil grounds

"This is one of Worthing's major listed buildings and its tranquil and attractive grounds provide an invaluable and peaceful haven in this busy area," said the society.

Further objections came from the Conservation Area Advisory Committee, which said the effect on Field Place would be "overwhelming and detrimental".

The committee continued: "Also, the large, long buildings such as those proposed would change the character of the adjoining residential area."

There were also three letters of objection from residents in Bolsover Road, and one from an address in Oxford Road.

Previous appeal

The committee was told a previous application for the site was rejected by the council, and by a government inspector when it went to appeal.

An officers' report said this revised scheme met the inspector's objections to the first application, and "due regard must be paid to the inspector's findings in dismissing the previous appeal.

"That decision carries substantial weight".

During the appeal inquiry, the inspector decided Field Place was far enough away not to be affected by such development.

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