Tax payers will pay the high cost of housing battle

Bersted Parish Council could find itself embroiled in its second major legal battle in five years if it decides to oppose the scheme for 2,500 dwellings.

Arun District Council wants to earmark fields north of Chalcraft Lane for the major residential development as well as land for businesses.

The intention in the council's proposed planning guidelines '“ called a local development framework '“ comes while the site six housing estate is yet to be built because of the recession. That only went ahead after parish councillors staged their most bitter fight ever at a cost of several tens of thousands of pounds.

Cllr Martin Lury warned the parish council had to gear itself up to spend more money if it was going to oppose the latest idea.

He wanted 5,000 added to their spending plans to pay for professional advice to help their battle.

"I've talked for years about the spectre of Bognor and Chichester coming together. There is going to be a coalescence between the two areas. It is going to be a nightmare," he stated.

"There are a huge number of issues '“ flooding, roads '“ about building on that land. We have always stood up to try to defend the electorate and the people of Bersted if we thought there was a challenge to our district."

He pointed out that the council's share of the council tax bill went up 28 per cent at the height of the site six fight.

Cllr Simon McDougall told councillors they would need to lodge an interest in the emerging plan very soon. Public consultation would only take place between early February and late March.

"If you don't get in at an early stage, regardless of whether you are for or against a scheme, you are not going to have any influence on the local development framework whatsoever."

Councillors agreed any spending on the issue would come from their reserves rather than increase next year's tax bills .

The budget debate ended with a 3.58 per cent hike in the amount they will take from residents.

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