60 homes, gym and moorings at Land west of Bridge Road Roundabout, Littlehampton

What was proposed

The application sought reserved matters approval for 60 homes, a multifunctional gym, 32 leisure moorings, landscaping and layout details.

“DESCRIPTION OF APPLICATIONThis application seeks approval of reserved matters (layout, appearance and landscaping) following outline consent under LU/238/20/OUT for 60 No dwellings to include a multi- functional gym building, and 32 No leisure moorings. This also seeks to discharge condition 24 of the outline permission, pertaining to landscaping and layout details.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The vacant riverside site covers 2.15 hectares beside the A259, River Arun, roads, commercial uses, countryside and existing residential development.

“The Outline application for this site (LU/238/20/OUT) was approved for the demolition of existing treatment works and redevelopment of a former camp site on the edge of the River Arun to provide up to 105 homes, 100sqm of A1 Shops use, 220sqm of A3 Restaurant use and 420m of pontoons to provide approximately 32 leisure moorings along with associated landscaping, sluice gate, flood defence works, car parking and highways works, including access.”

“While much of the site is understood to have been cleared previously for flood defence works, the adjoining A259 road embankment to the east and south-east feature well established trees and vegetation. CHARACTER OF LOCALITYThe site is located on the edge of the urban area and is surrounded by a mixture of land uses. To the east of the A259, there is a superstore, petrol filling station and two further retail units.”

Officer report

Earlier permission

An outline permission approved redevelopment for up to 105 homes, commercial uses, leisure moorings, landscaping, flood works, parking and highways works.

“LU/238/20/OUTOutline planning permission with some matters reserved for demolition of existing treatment works and redevelopment of a former camp site on the edge of the River Arun to provide up to 105 homes, 100sqm of A1 Shops use, 220sqm of A3 Restaurant use and 420m of pontoons to provide approximately 32 leisure moorings along with associated landscaping, sluice gate, flood defence works, car parking and highways works, including access.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways, landscapes, the Environment Agency, ecology and other consultees raised no objection subject to conditions, while drainage officers objected over insufficient information.

“No. letter of Objection was received: - The seven storey block is too high for the area and will be an eyesore from the opposite bank. - It should be set no higher than four storeys. - This will also set a precedent for future riverside eyesores. COMMENTS ON REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED: Comments noted. Issues regarding scale, height, flood risk / defences, and highways were all addressed at outline stage, and are not reserved matters for this application.”

“ADC DRAINAGE ENGINEERS: Objection. Insufficient information has been submitted to demonstrate that surface water drainage given the proposed scale, layout and landscaping of the development is achievable without increasing flood risk on site or elsewhere. The submission fails to demonstrate compliance with national guidance.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant and the agent were the two public speakers.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed drainage, the tallest building, river safety, play-area boundaries, public access, foul drainage and Southern Water’s role.

“Councillor Partridge raised concerns about safety near the River Arun, given its fast-flowing nature, and asked whether the play area would be contained to keep children safe. The officer confirmed that boundary treatments would prevent access to the river and that the play area would require ROSPA certification as part of its design.”

“Councillor O’Neill sought confirmation that public access along the riverbank would remain and asked whether foul water would be discharged into the river via the sluice gate. The officer confirmed that public access would be retained and connected to existing rights of way, and explained that foul drainage was controlled by a condition imposed at outline stage. Details would be agreed at the discharge of conditions stage to ensure no foul water entered the river.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee proceeded to a vote after no further comments were made.

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

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the application conditionally.

“That the application be APPROVED CONDITIONALLY.”

Minutes