Ford Airfield infrastructure at Land at Ford Airfield, Ford

What was proposed

The application sought reserved matters approval for the infrastructure phase, including the spine road, drainage, public open spaces, play areas and related works.

“An updated conditions sheet accompanies this update. Notes: Changes to recommendations, conditions and / or reasons for refusal will always be reflected in the recommendation section of the attached Officer's Report. Recommendation Report for Approval of Reserved Matters Following Outline Approval REF NO:F/14/24/RES .”

“This application encompasses the central spine road through the site, areas of open space, drainage and foul infrastructure. The following open spaces are part of this application:”

Officer report

The site and its surroundings

The site is predominantly flat former airfield and agricultural land between Ford Lane, Horsemere Green Lane and Yapton Road, with nearby industrial and waste uses.

“F/15/24/RES). - The Arun Way POS forms a key linear pedestrian, cyclist and equestrian route from east-west in the northern part of the site (connecting St Marys Meadow POS and Landing Green POS). It is an existing PROW, which is to be upgraded as part of the development, and retain the existing mature hedge and tree boundary. - Climping Edge POS is located on the southern boundary of the site, adjacent to Horsemere Green Lane.”

“There are several Public Rights of Way (PROW) which pass through the site (Path Numbers 363, 363_1, 366, 200_3 and 175). These provide footpath connections between Yapton and Ford Lane, or eastwards to Ford Road, and Yapton Road to Ford Road (via Rudford Industrial Estate). CHARACTER OF LOCALITYThe site is located between the villages of Yapton, Ford and Climping.”

Officer report

Earlier planning permission

Outline permission established the principle of up to 1,500 homes and associated infrastructure, while later applications covered residential phases and amendments.

“F/16/24/RESApproval of reserved matters following outline permission F/4/20/OUT for phase reserved matters 4 (south), for the erection of 357 No. residential dwellings plus associated roads, infrastructure, parking, landscaping, open space & play areas and associated works. This application affects a Public Right of Way, may affect the setting of a Listed Building and falls within CIL Zone 1 (Ford strategic site - zero rated).”

“F/15/24/RESApproval of reserved matters (layout, scale, appearance and landscaping) following outline permission F/4/20/OUT for phase RM1 (North), for the erection of 341 No. residential dwellings plus associated roads, infrastructure, parking, landscaping and associated works. This application affects a Public Right of Way, may affect the setting of a Listed Building and falls within CIL Zone 1 (Ford strategic site - zero rated).”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers considered the infrastructure, open spaces and highway network acceptable and recommended approval subject to conditions and confirmation that basin fencing was unnecessary.

“The infrastructure and open space would support the delivery of up to 1,500 dwellings and associated uses. The open spaces have been designed appropriately with suitable specifications, and would provide a safe highway network for the development. There is no identified harm arising from the proposal.”

“The recommendation is for the Planning Committee to delegate to the Group Head of Planning authority to grant reserved matters planning permission subject to conditions and the confirmation that fencing is not required around any basin feature; and should any minor changes be required that this is undertaken in consultation with the chair or vice chair of the Planning Committee.”

Officer report

Who spoke

One public speaker, a supporter, addressed the committee and the application was listed for consideration at the next meeting.

Members’ discussion

Members supported the application and discussed housing, affordable homes, heritage, a possible memorial, the spine road, drainage and tree retention.

“Members expressed overall support for the application, noting the importance of delivering much-needed housing and affordable homes. Several members raised concerns about preserving the site’s heritage, emphasizing its significant role during World War II and later conflicts. Suggestions included creating a permanent memorial or dedicated garden, alongside interpretation boards and public art features already secured through conditions.”

“Members also discussed technical matters, including the width of the spine road to accommodate buses, drainage concerns, and tree retention, with officers providing assurances that these issues would be addressed through conditions and future applications. The debate concluded with strong community support for the scheme and recognition of the need to ensure heritage is meaningfully reflected in the development.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee resolved to delegate approval of the reserved matters to the Group Head of Planning, subject to conditions and minor changes agreed with the Chair or Vice-Chair.

“That delegated approval of the reserved matters to the Group Head of Planning, subject to conditions and minor changes in consultation with the Chair or Vice-Chair.”

Minutes