Conversion of offices to flats at Lancing industrial estate refused

The Quadrant, in Malborough Road, Lancing Business Park, has been sub divided into 12 smaller office suits and has a high level of occupancy.

The Baron Homes Corporation wants to convert the office space into homes to create 53 new flats under permitted development rights.

But the prior approval application for the change of use was unanimously refused by Adur District Council’s planning committee on Monday night (November 9).

Officers explained that the possible loss of business space was not a planning consideration because of the type of application and their main objection was the impact of noise from the surrounding businesses  on potential residential occupiers.

Suzy Bastable, manager for the Lancing Business Park BID, described how there were in excess of 3,000 people working on the site, which is home to 250 separate companies. It is the second largest employment area in West Sussex, with a 97.4 per cent occupancy rate showing it remained a ‘desirable location’.

She suggested the Quadrant was ‘totally unsuitable for residents’ needs’ and would likely lead to operational restrictions imposed on surrounding businesses, which would ‘undermine the park as a suitable business location and restrict business growth’.

This was backed up by Eric Prescott, managing director of Paula Rosa Manhattan Kitchens based in Bleinheim Road and employer of around 300 people.

He described how their owners were investing significantly in the business, adding: “We consider these proposals a direct threat to the ongoing viability of our business and those of our neighbours and many others on the industrial park.”

The meeting even saw an intervention from East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tim Loughton, who said: “This is a very successful highly occupied business park employing over 3,000 people and we have problems with diminishing space for businesses to expand.”

He thought it difficult to envisage the building as a residential development and suggested it would set a ‘worrying’ precedent if it were to go ahead.

Members were strongly against the application, but expressed frustration about their objections being limited to noise due to the legislation around permitted development.

Stephen Chipp (Con, Southwick Green) said he was concerned about residents moving in, complaints being made about noise and then restrictions being placed on businesses.

Kevin Boram (Con, Buckingham) added: “I think the noise is too great. It’s a 24-hour operation and it’s a very, very busy site with heavy vehicles and heavy machinery, not just noise but vibrations as well.”

After the meeting, Brian Boggis, executive member for regeneration, said: “This application was a threat to the growing prosperity of Lancing and Adur in general. Our aspiration is to provide local jobs and to lose this space would seriously deplete our opportunity to achieve this aim.

“We recognise the need for more homes in Adur and we want to create more homes. But they need to be good-quality homes built in areas fit for homes.

“The Government’s planning White Paper erodes our opportunities to expand our prosperity in Adur. Local councillors know what is best for their area, so any move to weaken planning committees is a big mistake.”