Plans for East Preston flats thrown out

Arun District Council’s development control committee voted unanimously to refuse planning permission for the “unwanted and unnecessary” development, in Sea Road.

The proposals were for a three-storey site development of six two-bedroom and three one-bedroom flats – replacing an existing commercial unit.

David Sawers, chairman of the East Preston and Kingston Preservation Society, spoke against the proposals during the meeting.

He said the application would be a “blight” on the village’s Edwardian shopping centre – something which he claimed was contrary to the national planning policy framework’s efforts to protect local heritage.

Glyn Mathias, chairman of East Preston Parish Council’s planning committee, also opposed the scheme, suggesting it would be a “missed opportunity” not to to provide business space within the redeveloped site.

He added that, although the developer had proposed additional parking for the flats’ residents, this would not be enough and would lead to some having to encroach upon nearby parking facilities in the village.

“The developers have provided nine flats with nine parking spaces,” Mr Mathias said at the meeting.

“But there are a total of 15 double bedrooms which could easily mean 15 cars. “

Others at the meeting claimed the building would overlook neighbouring properties in Sea Road, as well as having a detrimental effect on existing residents.

No-one spoke on behalf of the developers at the meeting.

Councillor Ricky Bower, cabinet member for planning and infrastructure, and an East Preston councillor, said he believedapproving the application would lead to an over-development of the village.

He told the committee: “This whole application was a mistake. The developers should go away and think about it again.

“It needs to be cut down to size.”