Plans for 64 homes in Fontwell are set to go before Arun District Council’s planning committee, despite objections from Walberton Parish Council over drainage, sewer capacity and pressure on local services.

The application was submitted in March but is now due to be considered by councillors at next week’s planning committee meeting.

The developer plans to build on land off Arundel Road in Fontwell, including 64 homes, parking, open space, a play area and landscaping.

Planning officers are recommending that permission be granted if certain requirements are met and an agreement is made on payments towards local facilities and services.

An illustration of how the homes could look. Credit: ECE Architecture

placeholder image — An illustration of how the homes could look. Credit: ECE Architecture

West Sussex County Council’s Lead Local Flood Authority has maintained its objection in September after reviewing updated documents submitted by the applicant.

The authority said the scheme had failed to meet the national standards for sustainable drainage.

Walberton Parish Council raised concerns back in April 2026, saying it objected to the scheme on sustainability grounds and questioned whether the proposed drainage system could meet requirements.

It also raised concerns about the capacity of the existing sewer network, highlighting flooding issues in Walberton and nearby Barnham.

An aerial view of the site Credit: Google Maps

The parish council called for further evidence on surface water drainage, and said the development should not be occupied until the capacity in the sewer network to carry wastewater away from homes had been increased.

However, the planning report states the site is within Arun’s built up area boundary, where planning policy allows housing in principle.

The proposed development would exceed the approximately 40 homes set out in Walberton Neighbourhood Development Plan’s allocation for the site. Planning officers consider the proposal acceptable under national planning policy, despite the higher number of homes.

The parish council has also called for a £500,000 contribution towards community facilities, particularly provision for childcare, arguing that local services are already under pressure.

It raised further concerns about emergency access and firefighting water supplies, wildlife surveys and the development’s proximity to the South Downs National Park.

The proposal follows an earlier outline application for up to 56 homes and a standalone community building, which was approved by the planning committee in January 2025. This application was later withdrawn after the legal agreement was not completed.

The current application is due to be considered by Arun District Council’s Planning Committee on Wednesday, October 21.