178 new homes for Yapton

MJ Gleeson Group has decided to go ahead with its proposals for top-grade farmland on the north side of Burndell Road despite near-unanimous objection to its proposals.

Only two of the 102 villagers who responded to its informal consultation backed the intended development. The other 100 were firmly against the idea.

Their main objections concerned the impact of the cars of the 178 homes’ residents on surrounding roads, the extra burden on services such as schools and GPs in the village and the lack of jobs.

Some residents suggested changes they would like to see made to the proposals.

These ranged from the amount of affordable housing which should be included on the estate to the mix of housing, the desire for sites such as a wildlife area, a football area and allotments.

A total of 1,033 consultation leaflets were delivered to Yapton residents by Gleeson. They led to 102 responses. A meeting was also held with Goodhew Close residents after they requested the session.

The details of the consultation have been included in a statement by Gleeson’s planning agent, Caroline Dawson.

She said the company had amended its original ideas to reflect some of the comments.

The latest intentions included in the planning application for Arun District Council to decide omitted a new footway and contained a different mixture of affordable housing, a reduction in the number of dwellings and changes to plots along some of the 7.7ha site’s boundaries.

“The site is contained by existing development to the west, south and east,” said Ms Dawson.

“The site is adjoined by residential estates, about 1,960-1,970, to the west (Downview Road), south (Goodhew Close) and the south-east (Fordwater Gardens/Johnson Way).

“The location of the proposed public open space incorporates existing features – the Arundel/Chichester canal and existing landscaping along the northern boundary of the site – to provide a significant buffer between the proposed development and agricultural land to the north.

“The proposed scheme creates a permeable and easily-accessible development that is designed to connect well with its immediate neighbours.”

One in three of the intended homes will be affordable dwellings and most will be two storeys high. Some will be 2½ storeys tall. They will comprise terraced, semi-detached and detached properties.