Dubious plans

We read much about the council officers’ “visionary” outlook leading to a request for 9,300 housing units to satisfy an estimated demand from a “vibrant” future economy. With true crusading zeal, a “journey to the adoption of a local plan” has been prepared, giving a timetable for public consultation on the core elements.

Mr Daggett has reason to be concerned, since the analysis of the results is due to commence at the end of December, and as yet the basic proposals are somewhat overdue.

Considering the effects on the infrastructure, Arun’s responsibilities rest only with the planning/environmental aspect.

Yet the allocation of 2,500 of those units, the majority earmarked on the northern side of the A259, has implications for the county highways authority, together with an accepted dependency on the construction of the nebulous Lyminster bypass.

Without it, Littlehampton would be somewhat vibrating rather than vibrant.

In the eyes of the highways engineers, the Lyminster bypass is little more than a few dots on the 2002 local plan, and central government contribution is out of the question.

Furthermore, if residents were advised about the additional effects its junction would have on Worthing Road, objection to the Toddington level crossing closure would be even more emotive.

However, none other than Littlehampton Town Council, neither a planning nor highway body, has come up with a cunning plan in its Progress publication.

In order to achieve the bypass, and permit a density of 4,000 houses, a levy per unit would be applied.

Not only would this result in an auction among developers, it would also give encouragement towards increasing the size of their proposals.

We all know that the collection of retention monies is a very dangerous means to a doubtful end.

In cases such as the now 10-year-old development off Courtwick Lane, it is still the subject of prevarication over simple public open space adoption procedures.

Is it not obvious the builders will, in any case, pass on the costs, including the affordable housing element, to the purchaser?

Derek Hulmes,

Kingfisher Drive,

Wick