Character of seafront comes under attack

UNDER reference R/146/09, Barratt Southern Counties has submitted to Arun District Council extensive plans which can be of concern to all Rustington and Littlehampton people, as the Gazette (August 20) and Rustington Heritage Association pointed out.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Aug 2009, 14:11 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 00:57 BST

Read the story about the Rustington Convalescent Home development plans here.

Briefly, the proposed development is in the grounds of Rustington Convalescent Home on the most prominent site along the seafront.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It is intended to build several groups of houses (with some flats), mainly in terraces, but with half a dozen detached "cottages" facing Mewsbrook Park.

Most of these would be three storeys high, or two storeys, plus rooms in the roof space.

Their height, in most cases, is up to that of the eaves of the convalescent home, which itself would remain as at present.

There would be terraces of six and nine dwellings behind the home along the Martlets side of the site, and a further terrace of 23 houses and flats along the eastern side of the present (west) entrance drive.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

These are the most obtrusive and would seriously compromise the open vista and setting of the listed building, as seen from Sea Road. There would be a total of 45 new homes.

Although just inside the Rustington boundary, any major development on the attractive convalescent home gardens would be of much concern to local people and our thousands of visitors.

One wonders whether this is the thin end of the wedge to destroy the character of our seafront.

It is of some importance to note a remark in the planning support statement, which is to the effect that no affordable housing would be included, otherwise the scheme would not be financially viable.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

If Arun insists on applying its current policy of requiring 40 per cent of such housing, and then Barratt threatens to withdraw the whole proposition, would we mind?

W. F. Daggett

Barn Close

Littlehampton

NOTE: All letters must include a name and address which can be withheld by request.

-----------------------------

Click here to return to Gazette letters.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Gazette: [email protected]

Want to read this page in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Urdu or 48 other languages? click here for Google translate.

Related topics:RustingtonArun District Council