Access concerns as 265 homes in Westhampnett approved
‘Huge problems’ have been predicted after plans to build up to 265 homes and an 80-bed care home in Westhampnett were approved by Chichester District Council.
The outline application from Teren Project Management Ltd, for land at Maudlin Farm, in Dairy Lane, was given the nod by the planning committee on Wednesday (September 9).
The site was allocated for housing in the council’s Local Plan under policy A10, with access to be provided from Old Arundel Road.
But it was that very access which raised concerns about future traffic going through the village – especially at the mini-roundabout junction with Stane Street.
John Cross (Lib Dem, Fittleworth) admitted that his first reaction when he thought about cars ‘funnelling their way to that junction’ was ‘oh my God’. But then he realised that the applicant was doing everything required of them by the council’s own planning policy.
He added: “If I was to object to this, it most certainly would be overturned by an inspector and they would incur massive charges on us for going against our own policy.
“So whilst I’m not happy about this junction – I can see there are going to be huge problems going forward – I can see no reason why this planning committee could turn this application down – regrettably.”
The council received dozens of objections to the plans, including two petitions, and objections from four parish councils.
Speaking in a personal capacity rather than as a committee member, Henry Potter (Con, Goodwood) said he wasn’t opposed to the housing – but he had concerns that the impact of the extra traffic could not be ‘safely and sustainably met’ and that the situation at the junction would ‘dramatically worsen’.
The development will be made up of 34 one-bedroom homes, 91 two-bedroom homes of which 25 will be flats/maisonettes, 89 three-bedroom homes, and 51 four-bedroom homes. Some 30 per cent of the homes will be classed as affordable.
Safety measures such as signage and anti-skid markings at the mini-roundabout junction will be included.
To view the applications, log on topublicaccess.chichester.gov.uk and search for 25/01662/OUT.