Loss of one of Southwater's iconic oak trees branded '˜disgraceful'

The first phase of large-scale housing development west of Worthing Road was approved by Horsham District Council’s Development Control North Committee last Tuesday, totalling 190 homes and 54 retirement living apartments.

But several councillors and residents raised concerns over flooding, air quality, and inadequate car parking for the retirement living flats.

John Chidlow (Con, Southwater) questioned if they should be determining the application when he counted 31 outstanding issues, and after the meeting labelled the decision to cut down one of the ‘iconic’ oak trees to make way for the new access on to Worthing Road as ‘disgraceful’.

Outline approval for the entire strategic site,for a total of 594 units, was granted by HDC back in June 2015, and officers explained the access arrangements including the loss of the tree had been approved at outline stage.

Peter Carder, speaking in objection, raised the impact of the development on the Grade II* listed Great House Farm, citing a recent appeal decision on homes in Storrington.

Meanwhile Polly Purton, of Keep Southwater Green, said they welcomed conditions relating to land contamination, but said that development should only take place when samples had been taken from a reasonable depth below the ground.

Claire Vickers (Con, Southwater) added: “I’m somewhat disappointed about the number of concerns that have been expressed and not satisfactorily resolved.”

She argued that 48 parking spaces would not be enough for 54 retirement units as they were quite far from the village centre. She added: “We want to get the very best out of the development for current residents and new residents.”

Officers told councillors there were 537 parking spaces for the 244 homes, while flooding issues were covered by conditions and would have to be resolved before any development could take place.

Mr Chidlow proposed deferral to resolve outstanding issues, but this was defeated, and the committee delegated plans for approval subject to the ward members agreeing to satisfactory conditions.

David Gilchrist, development director at Berkeley Homes, said the plans would provide improved sports and community facilities, and ‘much needed’ private and affordable homes for the Horsham district.

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