The west is best

My interest lies in the West Bank – having farmed beside it since 1966, I hold a great affection for the community. It is an almost forgotten corner of our district, a separate community in its own right that some call Westhampton. Residents are very proud of the distinction and want that feeling to endure.

In 2009, we were delivered the bombshell that the Environment Agency (EA) wanted to withdraw maintenance of the sea defences at Climping, causing us to lose 400 acres. We challenged this and it became clear that the 180 homes and businesses at Rope Walk, including the marina, golf course and West Beach, would also be cut off.

The EA said it was not in the national interest to fund uneconomic defences; ie the value of Rope Walk benefits needed lifting before they would spend money. Arun and West Sussex County Council had already issued reports on regenerating the area. With a ‘use it or lose it’ mantra, a working party was set up with the business community, Littlehampton Town Council, Arun and the county council to further this work. We consulted residents and businesses along the way, and each time the majority was in support of sorting out coastal and river flooding and reversing economic decline, whilst keeping that separate identity.

There are abnormal costs, for improved sea flood defences, a new roundabout and dealing with contamination, but on the flip side ,it’s 500m from the train station, the High Street is 250m further, plus there would be new workspace, restaurants and visitor accommodation.

River ward is one of the most deprived wards in the county, a factor which would add to the social benefits of regeneration. The Lyminster bypass will link the site to the A27.

A figure of 1,000 residential units is vital before a developer would become commercially involved, a size to provide for healthcare, schools, etc and is preferable to pepper pot development.

A major benefit would be the new wildlife reserve and wetlands – when viewed from the A259, this would be a new gateway to our town that some have likened to Christchurch, with cycle trails and walks to Arundel and the coast and it would soften views from the countryside.

Arun took heed of this positive community-led approach and put the West Bank forward as an allocation supported by the town council. The West Bank proposal is unique in Arun, it is the only scheme with the majority support of its community.

I get the arguments for and against alternative sites and sympathise with the frustrations of those who find themselves having to work so tirelessly to gain support for their campaigns, with sleepless nights and worry that their area might be transformed.

I find it ironic that the community of West Bank also has worries that they will be abandoned to the sea by their elected members. I’m certain that that won’t happen and that councillors are sufficiently well briefed of the benefits, but I do hope that people from all parts of our district make the effort to get behind the West Bank scheme and support the residents and businesses in their campaign to promote such a well thought through and beneficial new chapter for Westhampton.

John Baird

Home Farm

Climping