Agricultural workers allowed to stay at former Bognor Regis care home

In August, the council refused plans to allow 80 seasonal workers to stay at the former Royal Bay Care Home, in Aldwick Road, but an application for 58 people was approved on Wednesday (December 2).

While a report to the development control committee said the site would be ‘supervised and managed to ensure neighbours are not impacted’, there were concerns that the council would find itself bombarded with noise complaints. 

Councillors were assured, though, that it would only take one such complaint for enforcement action to be taken.

A number of conditions were placed on the application to help minimise noise levels.

These included: no loud music or gathering in groups between 10pm and 7am; no meeting on the fire escapes; and the mini-bus used to take people to and from work should not arrive before 6.30am and should turn off its engine during pick-ups and drop-offs.

While David Edwards (Con, Felpham East) called this the ‘most well-intentioned condition I’ve ever seen’, he had his doubts about whether the rules would be followed.

Other concerns came from Bognor Regis Town Council who were worried that so many people in one space would lead to an increase in Covid-19 cases.

This, however, was not seen as a planning concern, though the agent for applicant Pro-Force assured members that ‘strict protocols and measures’ would be in place to make sure social distancing was observed.

To view the application, log on to www.arun.gov.uk/weekly-lists and search for BR/213/20/PL.