‘No action means tacit approval’

We and many other residents recently opposed a development by Seaward Homes of 75 houses on fields close to our bungalow. Our objections were completely ignored by the Bristol-based Planning Inspectorate at the appeal.

Arun District Council had effectively dragged its feet at the initial planning application stage, despite objections from the Environment Agency and Southern Water over sewerage and drainage issues. As Arun did not make its crucial decision within the necessary eight-week period, the application went straight to appeal.

Understandably, we are now being inundated with planning applications, most probably going down the same route.

Now we are subject to Arun’s local plan for 2012-28, proposing 2,000-plus homes in the area. Just how many more homes do we need?

East Wittering and Bracklesham Parish Council recently raised objections to plans for building on a field at Beech Avenue, the objections including increased traffic, sewerage issues and low availability of jobs in the area.

The same situation is arising in Yapton, Birdham, Donnington and Selsey.

Several years ago, Ford was the target for a huge Eco-Town. The residents, by collaborating and flooding the area with fluorescent car stickers stating “No Ford Eco-Town” managed to get this forced out of the equation, with the help of local MPs.

While I appreciate many people wish to relocate to the south coast – a beautiful and wonderful part of England – surely we must ensure that the many unsold, uninhabited empty properties are occupied, before we concrete over all our wonderful countryside with additional unsold, uninhabited homes.

Surely, we must consider improving the infrastructure, including improved drainage, sewerage, water, schools, medical facilities, parking and traffic for existing, well-established residents, before we consider any future expansion to our communities.

Come on, all local residents – join together, join the action group to stop this decimation of our area. No action effectively means tacit approval – is that what you want?

Janette Sayer

Halliford Drive

Barnham