Plans for 18 flats to replace Bognor Regis garages refused

Plans were submitted to demolish brick-built garages, remove a canopy structure, remediation of contaminated land and construction of 18 flats over three storeys with pitched roofs at 57 Queensway.

Council officers said the site is on the corner of Crescent Road and Queensway and is used as a hand car wash business with a brick-built building and canopy and tarmac surface.

The building proposed is three storeys in height, in essentially six blocks. The roof will be pitched with gable additions to the western elevation which will serve as enclosed balconies,” their report said.

“The proposal provides only four parking spaces - a shortfall of 18 spaces. Any overspill parking would have to be accommodated on-street or in nearby paid-for provision and there is a large car park opposite the site. Whilst the proposal does not provide the recommended parking provision, the shortfall is capable of being accommodated in the nearby area and the site is in close proximity to sustainable transport

The report concluded: ”The proposal is compliant with policy in matters surrounding design and character, residential amenity, transport and parking and biodiversity. The proposal does conflict with drainage policy due to the lack of sufficient surface water drainage evidence and details and it cannot be concluded that surface water from the proposal can be adequately drained in a policy compliant way and not increase flood risk elsewhere.

“Further, infrastructure and Pagham Harbour contributions are not provided through a S106 agreement.

“Overall, the moderate benefits arising from the dwellings towards addressing the housing land supply shortfall and the substantial weight to the value of using suitable brownfield land within settlements for homes… are outweighed by the significantly demonstrable negative impact.”

Use search reference BR/67/25/PL on the Arun planning portal to see the report.