Large housing development on edge of Walberton refused

David Wilson Homes wanted to build 155 homes on land to the west of Tye Lane and submitted an outline application to Arun.

The developer argued that the site was ‘conveniently located within a short distance from services and facilities in the village centre’ and felt homes in this location would ‘avoid the settlement sprawling into the countryside’.

But the development proved hugely unpopular in the village as the council received 117 letters of objection and the parish council also opposed the scheme.

The main concerns were with overdevelopment, the increase in traffic and its potential impact, the lack of infrastructure and services, flooding, loss of farmland as well as the impact on the character of the area and its surroundings.

Arun council planning officers have sided with the objectors and refused planning permission.

They concluded the applicant had not provided enough information on the potential impact of the development on the strategic road network and insufficient surface water drainage details.

The council also needed more detailed assessments on the land and soil, and on potential deposits considering the site is in a mineral safeguarding area for sharp sand and gravel.

The officers also required more information on wildlife and they felt there appeared to be a lack of permeability and opportunities for movements around individual clusters of housing in the concept masterplan.

Meanwhile the review of Walberton’s neighbourhood plan, which is proposing alternative sites to meet the parish’s housing requires, is due to be examined later this month and officers suggested there is a risk of ‘prematurity’ in determining this application.

The report from officers added: “It is considered that insufficient information has been submitted to demonstrate that the proposed development would provide a high quality development with a sense of place.”