Amended plans allay fears over holiday park

'We have listened to concerns raised and amended plans have been prepared,' Ken Edwards, the firm's director of architectural services told the Observer this week.

He also assured residents that '˜the buildings will be no higher than the existing structures'.

And he said: 'It was never our intention to enlarge the number of caravans on the site, in fact we are drastically reducing them year on year. Over ten years they have been reduced by ten0 per cent to 900 and we are now heading towards 800.

'We need more space and landscaping and it's all about quality,' said Mr Edwards.

'We can't afford to stand still, our customers are more and more demanding,' he added. Plans also include improving the access to the main complex building, within the existing site of just over 100 acres.

Tom Cassidy, a public relations advisor to Church Farm, added: 'This is a huge economic investment in Pagham and underpins the long-term future of jobs for the future.'

And stressed Andy Pope, the general manager of Church Farm in answer to comments made last week that the Bourne Leisure-owned holiday park could end up looking like at Butlins Holiday resort .

'I can categorically state that Church Farm is never going to look like Butlins. Our goal is to offer a safe and secure environmental setting for families, with leading leisure facilities and a beautifully landscaped site, very much in keeping with its coastal setting.'

Mr Pope extended an open invitation to residents to come and see the amended proposals for themselves.

'I am happy to meet anyone who would like to come in and see the plans,' he said.

Other proposals to carry out general and minor remedial work to the 15th century listed building within the site were subject to separate listed building consent which, if planning permission is granted, will also go ahead this winter, said Mr Edwards.

Anyone wishing to view the amended plans at Church Farm Holiday Park should contact Mr Pope on 0800 269 089.