Hambrook showmans site is given the go-ahead

Chichester District Council’s planning committee last Wednesday approved the application on land south of Fair Acre in Priors Leaze Lane, Hambrook.

Officers recommended approval of the proposal for four travelling showmans family plots, comprising 12 mobile homes - despite objections from Southbourne and Chidham and Hambrook parish councils.

Councillor Myles Cullen said the community was being ‘stifled’ by over-development: “I firmly believe such sites should be within urban areas of larger settlements,” said cllr Cullen.

“There may well be a need to provide further sites for show people but a mega site at Hambrook should not be the answer.

“I believe the adverse effects of this application outweigh the benefits.”

Peter Cole from the Hambrook District Resident’s Association told the committee roads, schools and health care were being ‘overloaded’. “12 dwellings, approximately 30 people, is a small number, but this is in addition to some 190 new dwellings that have been built or approved over the last five years,” said Mr Cole.

“That’s nearly 500 new residents, a 25 per cent increase. The current site is ugly.

“The question is, would the proposed development look any better?”

Cllr Tricia Tull said there was ‘a danger of the development having an impact on the community’. However officers there was ‘a need for travelling showpeople sites’ around the area.