Inquiry to decide Earnley housing appeal

Back in 2019 Summix ECC Developments applied to Chichester District Council to redevelop the Earnley Concourse site off Drove Lane.

As well as knocking down a number of buildings, the plans would see the reinstatement of the original drive to Earnley Place and 0.7 hectares of open space provided.

The concourse site was a residential centre offering leisure courses and activity weeks but closed back in 2011. It was then used for foreign language students and later advertised as a conference centre and wedding venue.

A fire broke out in part of the site in October 2019, requiring a large emergency response.

According to the planning application: “The site is a brownfield site, located on the edge of Earnley, adjacent to the heritage asset of Earnley Place, and the conservation area. The proposals can deliver a scheme that significantly improves the outlook from Earnley Place without having an adverse effect on the wider conservation area and heritage assets.”

A number of objections were lodged by residents, while in its response Earnley Parish Council said: “The application site is significantly removed from any settlement boundary. The application proposed to double the size of this rural village which has no public transport links and no facilities.

“The site is adjacent to the RSPB Medmerry Nature Reserve, designated as a potential special protected area and is part in and adjacent to the Earnley Conservation Area.

“This proposal lacks any sympathy with the existing village and the rural conservation area.”

Officers at Chichester District Council raised concerns about several elements of the proposed development with the applicant.

But these appeared to have been unresolved as the developer lodged an appeal on the grounds of non-determination in the middle of 2020.

This appeal is set to be heard via a public inquiry.

Before this is scheduled anyone affected by the proposed development and those who previously made representations can modify, withdraw or make extra comments to the planning inspector.

They can do this by sending three copies of written representations to The Planning Inspectorate, FAO:- Dean Alford, 3D Temple Quay House 2 The Square Bristol, BS1 6PN quoting the DCLG reference number APP/L3815/W/20/3255383.

Or comments can be submitted online at https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ by using code 3255383.

Any representations have to be received by Friday March 5.

A separate application is pending for 100 homes to the west of the site off Clappers Lane.