Villagers have say on possible Angmering housing scheme

Dozens of villagers attended, keen to see what could become of the VHB West End Nursery site in Roundstone Lane – which could look set to usher almost 200 new homes.

Consultants Barton Willmore held the first of two public exhibitions into the proposed change from agricultural land to housing, at the village hall, in Station Road.

Planning officers presented a set of detailed artists’ impressions of what the scheme could look like, if it is accepted by Arun District Council.

Those attending included Sue Ware, co-founder of the campaign group Save Angmering Village, which is fighting against a number of large-scale housing developments in the village.

Speaking to the Gazette after the public meeting, Sue said: “It’s nothing we haven’t seen before.

“Yes, there was a great deal of interest among the locals but I don’t think any of them were swayed by the plans.

“VHB only give 195 house in their plans but this could easily swell to 250 because of the generous amount of land that are proposing to give each home.

“At the end of the day it’s just not suitable land and, indeed, this site in particular because it’s going to take jobs away from the village.”

A spokeswoman from Arun District Council stressed that no formal application to develop the land had been received by the authority.

The next exhibition will take place on Saturday, October 27, at the Angmering Community Centre, in Foxwood Avenue.

A Barton Willmore spokesman said: “We are looking forward to giving local people the opportunity to see the proposals and finding out their views.”