Bunn Leisure plans: Selsey holiday resort addresses residents' concerns

A notice appeared at Bunn Leisure's site in Warner's Lane last month, outlining the resort's intention to extend its regulated entertainment, 'with the exception of recorded music and performance of dance', from Monday to Sunday 9am to 3am the following morning.

It said that refreshments would also be served every day from 11pm to 9.30 the following morning. The notice also stated plans to reposition the bar and create a food servery.

Geoffrey Smith, director of finance and operations for the resort's owner, Cove Communities, said: “When we acquired Bunn Leisure we inherited a 3am licence which we have not used and have no immediate plans to do so given our focus is and always will be on premium family holidays.

"Our recent licence application was submitted to align the remaining facilities with the existing licence. This application has now been removed.

"This issue relates to the ongoing redevelopment work of the Seafront Terraces which is part of our multimillion pound investment programme to modernise the park and give our guests and owners an industry-leading leisure experience.”

Selsey Town Council said it has engaged with Cove to 'discuss concerns raised by residents' and to 'obtain clarification of their intentions'.

"As a result, Cove have assured us they are committed to developing a strong relationship with the Selsey community," a council spokesperson said.

Among the key points discussed were the 3am licence.

The spokesperson added: "The only current licencing application relates to a facility they wish to operate until 11pm.

"Cove wished to assure residents that they do not intend to operate any facility until 3am as their business focus is on premium family holidays.

"The existing 3am licence was in place prior to Cove's ownership of Bunn Leisure. The recent application was initiated by their solicitor to align the remaining facilities with the existing licence.

"However, the recent application has now been removed and they do not intend to submit it again."

Concerns had also been raised about emergency services' access to the site, due to the closed wooden gate at the end of Paddock Lane.

The council said: "A wooden gate was put in to help stop cars accidentally driving down the bridleway and is also used as a sign.

"The gate has no lock but there is a locking pin in the ground for emergency vehicle access. Cove has confirmed it can be accessed, if always required, by an emergency vehicle."

The council said Bunn Leisure has also now introduced a 'new secure parking area', within the holiday complex adjacent to the Warner Farm touring park and will 'require a valid pass to ensure they are valid guests on site'.

They added: "This should ensure that no Bunn Leisure guests will have reason to park in the surrounding area."

Cove has also provided the use of a shop for a 'period of two years' for local artisans to 'promote and sell products developed locally'.

The council said this is a 'great opportunity' for Selsey's local businesses, the community, and guests of Bunn Leisure.

In regards to the future development at Bunn Leisure, Selsey Town Council said Cove is committed to develop the site into a 'premium family holiday resort'.

"This will involve continued investment in the landscaping and infrastructure, accommodation and amenities and improved home community areas," the spokesperson said.

"To support their future plans, they have launched the Cove Academy to focus on providing employees and the local community the highest standard of training for a successful and fulfilling career in hospitality."