MOT and car servicing at Littlehampton Road, Ferring

Earlier applications and appeal

An almost identical application was refused for insufficient noise information, while an earlier appeal allowed a three-unit building with marine workshop and boatyard uses.

“FG/100/25/PL - This application was for a nearly identical scheme to the current proposal. It was refused due to insufficient information in respects of noise impacts. The current submission has sought to address these concerns. REPRESENTATIONS Ferring Parish Council - Objection: - Noting sensitive sites nearby, such as Highdown Hill, recreational playing fields, and residential properties. - Identifying the site as being within South Downs National Park (SDNP).”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Environmental Health raised no objection subject to conditions, and highways officers found no unacceptable highway safety or network impact.

“Environmental Health (26/11/25) - No objection subject to conditions: - The report indicates that if all the recommendations are fully implemented the development with comply with current guideline levels. No objections to the hours of use 08.00 - 18.00 Monday to Friday as applied for.”

“WSCC Highways: - Do not consider proposal would have an unacceptable impact on highway safety or result in 'severe' cumulative impacts on the operation of the highway network and that there are no transport grounds to resist the proposal. COMMENTS ON CONSULTATION RESPONSES: Comments noted.”

Officer report

Public speaker

One public speaker addressed the committee as an objector before the officer responded to public comments.

Members’ debate

Members questioned the meaning of Class E, similarities between boat repairs and car servicing, noise assessment, traffic, heavy vehicles, fumes and operational controls.

“Councillor Bence asked for clarification on what Class E allowed, noting that the site had previously been approved on appeal for a boatyard use with ancillary equipment. The officer explained that Class E was a relatively new addition to the Use Class Order and covered a wide range of uses. In this case, the marine workshop and boatyard were approved under Class E as light industrial uses that could operate without detriment to residential amenity.”

“Councillor Turner declared a personal interest as a local resident of Ferring and its Ward Councillor and being frequent user of the A259 and Highdown Hill for walks. He then raised concerns about traffic impacts on the A259, which was often congested, and questioned whether the site could accommodate low loaders and heavy vehicles delivering cars and parts.”

Minutes

The vote

The recommendation was proposed and seconded, and the committee then proceeded to a vote.

“The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Bence and seconded by Councillor Partridge.”

“As no further comments were to be made, and the Chair proceeded to the vote.”

Minutes