Flats added to Tangmere 160-home development instead of community centre

Open space previously earmarked for a community centre in a major housing development will now house six flats.
Construction has started on the large-scale development to the north east of Tangmere Military Aviation MuseumConstruction has started on the large-scale development to the north east of Tangmere Military Aviation Museum
Construction has started on the large-scale development to the north east of Tangmere Military Aviation Museum

Miller Homes is already constructing 160 homes north east of the Tangmere Military Aviation Museum.

But six flats will be added to the development after it was decided there was no longer a need for the community facility.

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Chichester District Council’s planning committee approved the application by seven votes to six yesterday.

This was despite questions from Tangmere councillor Simon Oakley over the effect of the plans on the functionality of the open space.

He said: “This is a recipe for all sorts of problems, I am afraid.”

Mr Oakley noted that although there was an over provision of open space across the development, standards were a ‘minimum’.

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The flats would reduce the open space to just 30 metres by 30 metres.

Tangmere Parish Council had objected, calling for clarity over the suitability of the open space provision.

Officers reminded councillors the total open space provision across the site was around 1,500 square metres above the minimum.

It would be difficult, therefore, to justify refusal, they said.

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Councillor Richard Plowman said the plans changed the nature of the space, with the site lacking substantial open areas for activities like football.

Others, including Jane Kilby, argued the provision was adequate.

Rob Collett, representing Miller Homes said the area was always planned for some development due to previous plans for the community centre.

He added the design of the flats was consistent with those under construction.

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