Inspector is criticised for flats' verdict

Ricky Bower, who heads Arun District Counci’s planning service, said the outcome of the planning inquiry led by Lynne Evans was wrong.

Ms Evans allowed the plan by Keebee Marine Developments to convert a former care home on Marine Drive West into 12 flats, as reported, after an initial refusal by the district council.

But Cllr Bower told last week’s meeting of Arun’s development control committee: “I thought the outcome of this appeal was quite alarming.

“The issue of cars in that locality has been dismissed by the inspector, who has no knowledge of the locality.

“It was on the basis of local knowledge that committee members took the decision they did. I would continue to support that.”

But Cllr Andrew Evans (Marine) said: “As a local ward councillor that voted in favour of the application, I know full well the parking issues on Bognor seafront. Cllr Bower is wrong.”

Cllr Dougal Maconachie (Barnham) said he had voted against the plan because he feared it would create further ‘one-room ghettoes’ in the centre of Bognor. Arun rejected Keebee’s proposal last year because of fears of the extra parking from the flats.