Controversial plans to build 35 new houses in Fishbourne are refused

An application was submitted by Fishbourne Developments Limited in December, requesting the construction of 35 affordable residential dwellings for first-time buyers at the land south of Ivy Lodge, Blackboy Lane.

The proposals received more than 300 official objections, including from Fishbourne Parish Council, with fears that the 'beautiful farmland' will be 'irreparably destroyed forever'. Read more hereChichester District Council (CDC) has now ruled that there is 'minimal evidence to justify the need' for low cost home ownership 'over and above what is already being delivered' in the area.

Its decision notice read: "The evidence clearly shows the greatest need in the plan area is for affordable rented and social rented housing.

"Furthermore, the proposed mix of low cost housing, specifically the provision of four-bedroom dwellings would not meet the requirements of first time buyers, both in terms of affordability and in terms of the larger size of the dwellings."

Among the other reasons for refusal, the district council said the homes would not be a high quality development within the countryside and would result in a 'contrived, overdeveloped and incongruous form of development'.

CDC also raised concerns over the noise that would be caused by the proposed pumping station.

Read the full decision notice hereWhat do you think about this? Let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or by emailing [email protected].

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