Inspector rejects bid to build flats on Bognor Regis industrial site

A government planning inspector ruled that the scheme for Durban Road was unacceptable.

Mr M Hetherington agreed with Arun District Council's main argument that the loss of employment land was unacceptable.

He also accepted the council's view raised at the inquiry he headed into its decision that potential flooding concerns at the site made it unsuitable for a residential scheme.

Mr Hetherington stated in his report: "It has been demonstrated there are alternative sites available for new housing within Bognor that lie within lower flood risk areas."

The potential development location lies within flood zone three. This is defined by the government's planning policy as an area with a high risk of flooding.

Under the policy, any development '“ and particularly for housing '“ in that level of flood zone should be allowed where no sites with a lower likelihood of flooding are available.

Peter Hudson, the applicant, had appealed against Arun's refusal last January of his outline plans to demolish an empty business unit and replace it with a three storey block of eight one bedroom and six two bedroom flats.

Keith Wheway, the council's strategic development planner, said he was pleased Mr Hetherington had backed its stance about flooding.

"It demonstrates that this consideration cannot be overlooked simply because there is no local recollection of the site having flooded in the past," he added.

"The decision to dismiss the appeal on these grounds sends out a strong message that development will not be allowed to go ahead on such sites when there are other, more suitable, locations available."

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