What they propose for North Bersted's eco quarter

That's the hope of the landowners as they seek to create a sustainable development in North Bersted.

The Church Commissioners and David Langmead intend to submit a planning application for their scheme over 125 hectares as soon as next spring.

If it is approved by Arun District Council, the first of the houses and flats could be going up in 2011.

Building work would be expected to last for 15 years. The size of the development could expand to 2,500 homes beyond 2026.

They will be designed to the same standard as the controversial eco towns but with the difference of being added to an existing town rather than being placed in the countryside.

Steve Melligan, the commissioners' head of planning and development, described the scheme's environmental credentials as exciting.

He said: "This proposed development will aim to meet the government's eco- town standards but will have the advantage of being located in close proximity to Bognor, meaning that quick and convenient transport links can be provided to and from the town.

"Therefore, we can aid the ongoing regeneration of Bognor while still delivering a development which meets the highest possible standards for sustainability."

National sustainable development experts, Bioregional Quintain, have been hired by the consortium of landowners to advise on the masterplan for the area to ensure it is thoroughly 'green'.

Water saving meaures will be built into every home, energy efficient fittings will be standard and the use of biomass boilers and solar thermal heating are being investigated.

A number of consultation events about the proposals will take place from January. These will enable the consortium to find out what residents and their representatives would like to see provided.

Initial thoughts centre around allotments, providing land for jobs in offices and light industry and a wetland area on the site's western boundary.

Neighbourhood facilities such as local shops and health and community services will be featured. Land will be allocated for a primary school.

But Mr Melligan said there was plenty of scope to hear the views of people in the area.

"We are still at an early stage and are looking for local residents and stake-holders to help shape the plans through consultation," he stated.

Further information on the events will be announced soon.

A boost for the scheme came last week when Arun District Council members took the first step to allocating the land north of Chalcraft Lane as a site for a major housing development to meet the government's housebuilding target for the district.

Here is the Bognor Regis Eco Quarter, as the landowners have called the scheme, in numbers:

* 2009 spring '“ when the application for the scheme is expected to be made

* 1,500 homes initially

* 2011 work begins

* 2026 completion date

* 2,500 homes potentially

* 40 per cent of the homes will be affordable housing

* one primary school allocation

* one relief road to link Chalcraft Lane with A259

* 40 per cent is the amount of green space in the development area

* one job in the employment area for every home built

* 10-15 minutes walk '“ the journey which every resident should have to make to work

* 10 minutes walk '“ from the homes to Bognor Regis Community College

* Less than 10 minutes '“ the time taken to walk to the bus stops around the development.

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